The Trial and the Death of Socrates

By: Plato

Narrated by: Bruce Alexander, Jamie Glover, David Timson

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The Trial and the Death of Socrates remains a powerful document not least because it gives a first-hand account of the end of one of the greatest figures in history.

In Apology, Socrates defends himself before the Athenian court against charges of corrupting youth. Phaedo is the account by a young man of the actual last words and moments of Socrates.

Tom Griffith presents these with scene-setting introductions to the historical situation in this new translation.

Translated by Tom Griffith.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2001 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2001 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd.

Plato's finest work

Would you listen to The Trial and the Death of Socrates again? Why?

Yes. I have listened to the trial several times. It is and will forever be one of my favorite classical works.

What did you like best about this story?

It is the story that made Plato famous... and it may be the only time where truth spilled from the quill of Plato... that cousin of the thrity, that was hell bent on destroying the Athenean Democracy that had thwarted every attempt at forceful overthrow.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particular moved you?

When Socrates suggests his punishment, he knows he is sealing his fate. He does not fear death, and he believes that the impact of his death in this manner will be far greater than the few years of life he has left.

Socrates thought the message would be heard quickly after his demise, but it has been almost 2500 years, and he has yet to be avenged.

Perhaps the trouble in Greece right now will bring about the world Socrates dreamed of... a world ruled by philospher kings, where every person is a king.

Any additional comments?

Democracy was assassinated by a stream of propaganda. When only the powerful possess the means to spread a message, that message is hostile to the common man. The meek shall inherit the earth. That will happen when we take the message of Socrates to heart. It is also the message of a craftsman from Nazareth.

Great Audio Book

This Was a great Audio book. The reader did an excellent job. I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Lots to think about

Would you consider the audio edition of The Trial and the Death of Socrates to be better than the print version?

not sure don't have the book

What other book might you compare The Trial and the Death of Socrates to and why?

not sure.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

makes it easy for a trucker to get in some books while driving.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me think. Puts into better argument about death and life in a different way.

Any additional comments?

Must get if like to think deep on life.

Griffith Translation of Apology and Phaedo

Plato's Apology and Phaedo are acknowledged as two of the most important works in the history of philosophy, so I am not going to bother talking about the content (see the other reviews). Instead, since Audible seldom identifies the translator or the edition from which the recordings are made (and if the reader wants to purchase the text to read along, sometimes it is difficult to find the correct edition), my contribution will be to provide this information.

This excellent translation is by Tom Griffith. If one wants to read along, buy "Symposium and The Death of Socrates" (Classics of World Literature), Wordsworth Editions, 1998 (ISBN 978-1853264795). This print edition also includes the Symposium, Euthyphro, and Crito. Unfortunately it is not available on Kindle at this time.

The translation is fair and accurate without being overly literal. The performance in the audiobook is outstanding. Highly recommended.

Perfect

A beautifully narrated classic. Perfect balance in story telling. This narrator did Justice to the masterpiece.

Excellent rendition

People don't change. His persecutors could live today. I am not sure, however, that we have a Socrates.

Music

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes. It is true to the good translations.

What did you like best about this story?

Its a classic must read for those who wish to have a proper education.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure

Did The Trial and the Death of Socrates inspire you to do anything?

It is rather dense. Inspire me to listen along as I read from the text.

Any additional comments?

The music between sections/chapters is Horrid! It really kills the mood of the reading with its shrill teeth grinding tones. Buy the book but put up with the music. Wish there was a way to skip the music.

Nearly Holy

As a Christian, besides the Bible I think this Aristotle knew God in mysterious manner. It moved me so very, very much and the commentary was beyond good. This book will never leave this device, as the Bible. Not one sentence without wisdom attached and Plato must be thanked in writing it for generations, and do not wait until 65 as did I.

Only read if you interested in phiolosphy

The historical accounts of Socrates and his trial were interesting along with his arguments. The last half deals more with philosophy which I found got more dull closer to the end, especially when talking about the Athenian myths.