Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 2

Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 2 by Plutarch, published by Random House Publishing Group on April 10, 2001, is a modern library paperback edition comprising 752 pages. This work, written at the beginning of the second century A.D., serves as a social history of the ancient world, showcasing the character and personalities of notable figures from that era. Plutarch’s biographical approach reveals how these individuals navigated their lives, leading to either tragedy or victory.

Readers will find richly anecdotal profiles and comparisons of influential figures such as Romulus, Theseus, Numa, and Lycurgus, among others. This edition includes a translation originally published in 1683, revised in 1864 by Arthur Hugh Clough, who also contributed notes and a preface. The book delves into themes of ethics, moral philosophy, and the historical context of ancient societies, making it a significant resource for those interested in social science and anthropology.