• The Republic

  • Translated with Notes, An Interpretive Essay, and a New Introduction by Raymond Larson
  • By: Plato, Raymond Larson - translator
  • Narrated by: Don Hagen
  • Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (322 ratings)

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The Republic  By  cover art

The Republic

By: Plato, Raymond Larson - translator
Narrated by: Don Hagen
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Publisher's summary

This highly regarded volume features a modern translation of all ten books of The Republic. Translated by Raymond Larson.
The Republic is an explosion of thought; a ten-book brainstorm of one of the greatest minds of all-time.

©1968 Allan Bloom (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

What listeners say about The Republic

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Raymond Larson is the translator!

Any additional comments?

I have both the Larson and Bloom, so I was able to compare. It's definitely the Larson, which is probably a wise choice to read aloud--Bloom is very good, but doesn't flow that well. Please someone make a recording of the new Joe Sachs translation of the Republic!

The narrator is not really going for the sparkle and humor of the original (and this translation in particular), and has Glaucon and Adeimantus sound like little boys, but these things are hard to get right.

All this being said, this is the best recording currently available for a serious student of Plato, who wants to get the sound and pace of how it must have been to hear it read aloud--as it no doubt was.

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36 people found this helpful

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the philosophy. the narration was good and did not distract from the content.

I enjoy Pluto's Republic every time I read or listen. This narration was good as it did not distract from the work. What more can I say. Read and/or listen. I strongly recommend it

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The thoughts of an ancient philosopher.

What is justice? What is the best way to live? And what is the best way to govern. Hear what Socrates has to say.

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Still a Classic a Must Read

The Republic is a Must read many times over!
This was a Great Presentation Period!

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Excellent

From narration to the story itself this is among my favorite books from audible so far(out of around 70)👌👍👏👏👏

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Lame narration but

Would you listen to The Republic by Plato Raymond Larson (Translator) again? Why?

No, I would go listen to the free Librivox recording

Who was your favorite character and why?

Glaucon

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He spoke in a monotone, made no effort to differentiate the characters speaking, he sounded completely disinterested in the subject, and he had no idea how to pronounce anyone's name. I can sort of forgive calling Thrasymachus "THRAES-ee-MACK-us" as it is not often encountered, but repeatedly calling Hesiod "Heshid"?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Seriously, Audible's narration of ancient classics are something to be wanting, Librivox is free, use dated copyright-free translations but the narrators put great effort into it especially in the Platonic dialogues

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15 people found this helpful

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My first time I ever finished it

This is clearly one of the best books ever written. Many times I've started reading it but never could get in to it. This is the first time I actually tried listening to it instead of reading it, and now I realize that this book was meant to be listened to not read. I suspect it is a very good translation (by Raymond Larson), and I know it has a great introduction that really helped me in understanding the text.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in philosophy and especially to the person who has never read anything about philosophy before because of the way it teaches one how to think critically.

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Problems of today solved 2000 years ago.

Great book, calls out many of the problems that still occur in our society today. It may take a time or two as the language is a little different than today. But great book either way.

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This is the first book everyone should read.

It contains some of the most important knowledge there is. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

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Reliable modern translation

This seems to be the only reliable modern translation available in audio format. The reader is clear and understandable, but not enthralling.

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