Memorabilia: Natural Products to Make for You and Your Home

Benjamin Franklin mentioned Memorabilia by Xenophon, in his autobiography, and how it taught him persuasion; It didn‘t disappoint. The dover paperback quality is good for what it costs.

This is very much a translation masterpiece of English literature. Little is known of the author - Edward Bysshe - other than that he is believed to have flourished between 1680 and 1714. His other known works are two books about English poetry. This translation of Xenophon's (430-354BCE) biography of the famous Athenian philosopher Socrates (469-399BCE), was first published in 1712. It has stood-up well to the passing of time, and this longevity is testament to the expertise with which Bysshe has rendered the original Greek text into an English fornat that is relevant today.The paperback (Watchmaker 2008) edition is in fact a digitalised re-print of the Merchant Books edition dated to 1888. It contains 139 numbered pages and consists of an Introduction and four sectios:Introduction (by Henry Morley) .Book One - Pages 7-36.Book Two - Pages 37-71.Book Three - Pages 72-106.Book Four - Pages 107-139.Each book contains a number of short chapters regarding the life of Socrates, and the trial that led to his eventual death. Xenophon's work gives a unique insight into the life and death details of Socrates, which can be compared with similar works attributed to Plato and to a lesser extent, Aristophanes. The general narrative established by Xenophon is that Socrates, as a good man who respected the gods and emphasised spirituality, was the victim of petty men in Athens, who used their political influence to secure an unjust trial, which led to his eventual death through the drinking of a cup of hemlock. It is interesting to note that the 1888 edition is edited by Henry Morley (1822-1894), the Professor of English Literature who is known for his 10 volume work entitled English Writers. Edward Bysshe originally entitled his work 'The Memorable Things of Socrates' - in this edition, Morley changes the title to 'The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates'. The English text of this translation is a joy to encounter. A classic translation of a Classical text.

There are two main sources of biographical information about Socrates - Plato, and the much neglected Xenophon.This Book is is Xenophon's recollections of Socrates - and his Socrates is very different to Plato's. Xenophon had no obvious philosophical axe to grind, and therefore had no temptation (as Plato did) to use Socrates as a mouthpiece for his own ideas. There is much to suggest a more accurate picture here than we have from Plato. The religious beliefs of Socrates as reported are striking - a perspective emerges of belief in one benevolent god, omnipotent, omnisicient, and omnipresent - the god of Judaism and Chrstianity. Socrates however believed in divination - and the revelation to him of god's purposes. This is a Socrates who is as much a mystic as a prosy philosopher. On Xenophon's account it is explicit that Socrates very much wished to be sentenced to death at his infamous trial, as he had no wish to become old, infirm, and a burden to his family and friends. (In this respect, implications of Plato's Apology are confirmed.) Fascinating read. Full of insights and information about one of the most, unselfish, courageous and admirable characters of history - and one of the greatest philosophers of all time. (But false humility was not one of his strengths - or weaknesses - and one senses a Socrates who followed th Delphic injunction "know thyself".) Socrates' views on women as inferred from his treatment of his wife were outrageous, and will offend many - but in this respect he was a creature of his times. (Xenophon was not guilty of this fault and his moving and loving descriptions of his wife in other works suggest he regarded her as an equal partner.)

Excellent Read, Great Value For MoneyAs an avid reader its handy to have your book collection with you. Some books are lacking images but hay that’s why we have imaginations. Overall very pleased.

Whilst the manner in which it is separated to sections is different from the normal chapters and each section relates to a behavior or subject after getting use to this approach it became easier to relate to the subjects in each sectionI have read it twice now and still find more each time I do