Plutarch's Cities

Plutarch's Cities is an attempt to assess the significance of the polis in his works from various perspectives, including its physical entity, lived experience, historical and sociopolitical unit, theoretical construct, and paradigm to think with. He was a pragmatist who wrote about real cities, as experienced or imagined, and was inspired by material culture, cult, and ritual.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Plutarch's Cities stands as a groundbreaking exploration of the profound significance of the polis in the works of the renowned Greek philosopher. Through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, the book delves into the multifaceted nature of the polis, examining it as a physical entity, a lived experience, and a source of inspiration. Moreover, it explores the polis as a historical and sociopolitical unit, a theoretical construct, and a paradigm for thinking.

Plutarch's Cities is remarkable for its comprehensive examination of Plutarch's cities, both in the past and present, as well as in their real and ideal manifestations. This multifocal and multi-perspectival approach yields significant corrections to Plutarch's conventional image, challenging prevailing notions and revealing new insights into his thought.

Plutarch, unlike many of his contemporaries, was not merely an antiquarian or a philosopher of the desk. Instead, he possessed a keen interest in a wide range of artistic and cultural disciplines, including painting, sculpture, monuments, and inscriptions. His extensive knowledge in these areas not only aided him in understanding and reconstructing the past but also served as a fertile ground for his visual imagination.

Plutarch's exploration of cult and ritual was equally rich and inspiring. He recognized the profound impact that these practices had on shaping societies and individuals, and he sought to incorporate them into his reconstruction of the past and evaluation of the present. By studying the customs and practices of different cultures, Plutarch was able to enrich his understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics.

In addition to historiography, material culture, cult, and ritual also served as sources of inspiration for Plutarch. He drew upon Plato's descriptions of Athenian houses and the Attic landscape, as well as other written and oral sources, to enrich his understanding of the past and present. Plutarch's research was meticulous, combining autopsy, oral traditions, and written accounts to create a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the cities he studied.

While Plutarch did contemplate the ideal city, his primary focus was on real cities, as he experienced or imagined them. His writings offer a vivid and detailed account of the cities he visited, their inhabitants, and their customs. Through his writings, Plutarch provides a rich tapestry of human experiences, showcasing the diversity and complexity of ancient societies.

Plutarch's Cities is a testament to his intellectual prowess and his commitment to exploring the multifaceted nature of the polis. Through his comprehensive and multi-perspectival approach, Plutarch offers a profound understanding of the significance of the polis in ancient Greek society and its enduring relevance to contemporary thought. This book remains a cornerstone of ancient philosophy and continues to inspire scholars and thinkers alike.

Weight: 772g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192859914