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Plato: Biography, Books & Where to Start

c. 428–348 BC · Athens, Greece · also known as Platon

Plato booksPlato biographyThe RepublicApologySymposiumPhaedoPlaton

Who was Plato?

Plato was a student of Socrates, who wrote nothing himself; almost everything we know of Socrates comes from Plato’s dialogues. The Apology records Socrates’ defence at his trial; Phaedo his last day; the Symposium a dinner party about love; and the Republic asks what justice is, with its famous allegory of the cave. Plato founded the Academy in Athens, where Aristotle studied for twenty years.

Where to start

Begin with Apology.

Plato’s books, in order

  1. Apology (399 BC) — Socrates on trial.
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
  2. Symposium (385 BC)
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
  3. Phaedo (380 BC)
    Free at: Project Gutenberg · Standard Ebooks · LibriVox · Wikisource · Internet Archive · Open Library Find a free edition →
  4. The Republic (375 BC) Read free →

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More Greek & Roman authors

Homer · Aesop · Sophocles · Euripides · Herodotus · Aristotle · Virgil · Ovid · Marcus Aurelius

Frequently asked questions

Who was Plato?

Plato was a student of Socrates, who wrote nothing himself; almost everything we know of Socrates comes from Plato’s dialogues. The Apology records Socrates’ defence at his trial; Phaedo his last day; the Symposium a dinner party about love; and the Republic asks what justice is, with its famous allegory of the cave.

What is Plato’s most famous book?

The Republic is usually considered Plato’s best-known work, followed by Apology, Symposium, Phaedo.

Which Plato book should I read first?

Most readers start with Apology.

Is it Plato or Platon?

Both refer to the same writer.

Can I read Plato’s books free online?

Yes — 1 of Plato’s books are free to read online in Pagine, the free e-reader and reading tracker.

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