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The Socratic Dialogues: Early Period, Volume 1 cover art

The Socratic Dialogues: Early Period, Volume 1

By: Plato, Benjamin Jowett - translator
Narrated by: David Rintoul, full cast
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Summary

Here are the Socratic Dialogues presented as Plato designed them to be - living discussions between friends and protagonists, with the personality of Socrates himself coming alive as he deals with a host of subjects, from justice and inspiration to courage, poetry and the gods.

Plato's Socratic Dialogues provide a bedrock for classical Western philosophy. For centuries they have been read, studied and discussed via the flat pages of books, but the ideal medium for them is the spoken word. Some are genuine dialogues while some are dialogues reported by a narrator supposedly at a later date.

Ukemi Audiobooks presents all of the Socratic Dialogues in a series of recordings divided into Early Period (Volumes 1 & 2), Middle Period (Volumes 1 & 2) and Late Period (Volume 1) - based on their likely composition by Plato. This opening volume starts with perhaps the most famous speech, The Apology, Socrates' doomed defence against the charge of heresy and corrupting the young. It is followed by Crito, in which Socrates' friend offers to spirit him out of Athens to avoid execution. Among the others are discussions on Courage (Laches), and Friendship (Lysis).

The role of Socrates is taken by David Rintoul, a widely admired and experienced audiobook reader who studied philosophy at university before taking a different path to RADA, TV, theatre and film. He is joined by a broad range of readers, most known to Audible listeners. Each Dialogue is prefaced with a short introduction to set the scene for newcomers to Plato.

Translation: Benjamin Jowett.

Public Domain (P)2017 Ukemi Audiobooks

What listeners say about The Socratic Dialogues: Early Period, Volume 1

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A masterful recording brings Plato back to life

As a fan of Plato, I had been searching for a complete set of the Socratic Dialogues, so I was very excited when I saw Ukemi recordings. I was even happier when I found out that Nicolas Soames, the founder of Ukemi, was previously in charge of Naxos Audiobooks and had produced many of my favourite classics. As for the production, it is well done and the actors give you a clear sense that they actually understand the ideas Plato was trying to convey: the pursuit of truth through questions, answers, and more questions. To me the attribute of actor-understanding is essential to enjoying any philosophical work in audible format and particularly with dialogues like these. In this case you feel as if you are in the room, experiencing the tension, with convincing protagonists attacking and defending competing theories of truth, virtue, and the good life. This is a very effective (and enjoyable) path to Plato. I'm currently on Volume 3 but I will definitely be buying the rest as soon as they are released. Top marks so far!

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What need be said?

All western Philosophy is a series of footnotes to Plato. An incomparable work, perfectly performed by the entire cast. Indispensable listening for anyone wishing to live an examined life.

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beautifully spoken

Honestly I'm so glad I downloaded audible even if just for this book alone the way it is acted put makes something I didn't think could be accessible very much so

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Perfect narration, compelling texts

This is the perfect audio edition as David Rintoul reads it beautifully, bringing all the characters to life! Highly recommended

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An excellent way to experience Plato.

When imagining Plato I never thought it would be anything but formal and dense discussion of philosophical ideals. I see now why his works have endured. The discussion is made charming by the format it is presented in, and an audiobook with reading of this quality was an excellent first exposure to the wit of Plato.

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Difficult to imagine it being done better

Rintoul’s reading couldn’t be better. Socrates’ logical reasoning and repetition of ideas could easily become tedious to the modern listener without the most expert interpretation and expression, and Rintoul achieves both in a masterful way.

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Good start!

Very accessible introduction to the Socratic dialogues. Well read by the whole range of characters.

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Great performances bring the dialogues to life

Jowett's translations of Plato are unsurpassed, and this series from Ukemi allows their dramatic character to shine. David Rintoul's Socrates is brimful of irony (as he should be), and the supporting cast are perfectly judged. Highly recommended.

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