In this collection of essays, Eva Brann talks with readers about the conversations Socrates has with his fellow Athenians. She shows how Plato's dialogues and the timeless matters they address remain important to us today. From introductory pieces on the "Republic," the "Phaedo," and the "Sophist" to an account of the less well known "Charmides," each essay starts where Plato starts, without presupposing a critical theory. In the title essay's brilliant account of the "Republic," Brann demonstrates its central importance in Plato's work. Other essays consider Plato's notion of time, discuss how to teach Plato to undergraduates' and contend that a thoughtful text-based study of Plato can have a very personal impact on a reader. Encouraged to befriend the dialogues, readers will join in the great Socratic conversations."It is a wonder and a delight to be led by Eva Brann through the Socratic conversations. She begins from first impressions and moves through perplexity to clarity, without losing the thread.

Those who do not know the "Republic," will be initiated into its treasures. Those who believe that it is a great book will understand better what they already know. And all who teach the dialogues will find their souls expanded in the presence of this most generous teacher."--Ann Hartle, Emory University"Imagine a reluctant guide to Plato's writings, one concerned not to preemptively explain, rather wanting readers directly to join Socratic conversations, one deeply and broadly learned in both the texts and the world of ancient Greece, at the same time one fully alive to the sources of philosophic wonder and the possibilities of such conversations in our time, and one who leads readers with the rare gift of luminous graceful prose. This is Eva Brann. How very welcome that her long treasured substantial essay 'The Music of the Republic, ' which gives this collection its center and title, is here made more readily available for all who share her enthusiasm for Plato's writings." --Walter Nicgorski, University of Notre Dame / Editor, "The Review of Politics""The title essay of this collection is a miniature masterpiece, one of the most seminal writings of our time on Plato's "Republic."" --John Sallis, Pennsylvania State UniversityEva Brann is a member of the senior faculty at St.

John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, where she has taught for over fifty years. She is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal. Her other books include "The Logos of Heraclitus," "Feeling Our Feelings," "Homage to Americans," "Open Secrets / Inward Prospects," "Un-Willing," and "Homeric Moments" (all published by Paul Dry Books).