Imperial Plato

The best introduction to the ancient genre of the Platonic handbook available and, finally, a new English translation of Apuleius On Plato and his Doctrine, which, alongside Albinus Introduction and Maximus of Tyre s Dissertation 11, offers a compelling picture of the nuances of 2nd Century CE Platonism and its teaching. With its lucid translations and meticulous notes, Fowler s Imperial Plato presents an indispensable guide to the diversity of the Platonic handbook genre in the 2nd Century CE for a new generation of students, teachers, and scholars alike.

Richard Fletcher, Associate Professor of Classics, Ohio State University

An impressive work ofscholarship that will soon become an indispensable starting-point, especially in the English-speaking world, for those setting out to study the remarkableinfluence that Plato had on intellectuals living under Roman rule in the first centuries of our common era. In addition to an insightful general introduction, each text is accompanied by a thorough and lucid overview and synopsis, a clean Greek text with manuscript illustrations, and detailed and helpful notes. The bibliography is substantial and wide-ranging. Anyone interested in the reception of Plato s ideas in the competitive world of the second century of our era will find an excellent guide here. Fowler has done the hard yards well.

John Hilton, Professor of Classics, University of Kwazulu-Natal

A very helpful overview of three of the most significant so-called Middle Platonic texts, representing three different approaches to the founding figure of all Platonisms: Plato.Fowler s general introduction on the imperial reception of Plato rightly stresses, among other important points, the impact of Plato and Platonism on early Christian thought. Patristic philosophy was indeed part and parcel of ancient philosophy, and varieties of Middle Platonism were its cradle, as the texts presented here help to clarify.

Ilaria L.E. Ramelli, Professor of Theology and Bishop Kevin Britt Chair in Dogmatics Christology, Catholic University; Angelicum; Oxford; Princeton

"These fine translations of three less well-known texts bring to life a fascinating period from the history of Platonism. The reliable introductions and generous notes make the book a pleasure to use. Those who want to read the original will not be disappointed: they do not just get critical texts from authoritative editions but also marvelous photo s of selected manuscript folia. Fowler has done a tremendous service to all those interested in the Platonic tradition."

Jan Opsomer, Professor of Philosophy, De Wulf-Mansion Centre for Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, KU Leuven University

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