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A Brief History of Atlantis

Plato's Ideal State
Series: Brief Histories
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Brief History of Atlantis by Dr Stephen P. Kershaw explores the captivating legends and historical theories surrounding the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Delving into philosophical and psychological interpretations, the book examines how Atlantis has inspired countless imaginations and influenced various cultural narratives throughout history, without drawing definitive conclusions about its existence.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by ancient myths and legends, especially those surrounding the enigmatic lost civilisation of Atlantis. The author delves into the philosophical and psychological aspects of this enduring tale, exploring how it has captured human imagination for centuries.

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A new translation of two of Plato's dialogues, Timaios and Kritias, with commentary and critical discussion including an exploration of how the tale of Atlantis has been interpreted throughout history.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Atlantis story remains one of the most haunting and enigmatic tales from antiquity, and one that still resonates very deeply with the modern imagination. But where did Atlantis come from, what was it like, and where did it go to?

Atlantis was first introduced by the Greek philosopher Plato in two dialogues, the Timaios and Kritias, written in the fourth century BC. As he philosophises about the origins of life, the Universe, and humanity, the great thinker puts forward a stunning description of Atlantis, an island paradise with an ideal society. But the Atlanteans degenerate and become imperialist aggressors: they fight against antediluvian Athens, which heroically repels their mighty forces, before a cataclysmic natural disaster destroys the warring states.

His tale of a great empire that sank beneath the waves has sparked thousands of years of debate over whether Atlantis really existed. But did Plato mean his tale as history, or just as a parable to help illustrate his philosophy?

The book is broken down into two main sections plus a coda: firstly, the translations/commentaries which will have the discussions of the specifics of the actual texts; secondly, a look at the reception of the myth from then to now; thirdly, a brief round-off bringing it all together.

Series: Brief Histories

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  • A Brief History of Atlantis
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472136992

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 September 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Robinson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Dr Stephen P. Kershaw has been a Classics tutor for some thirty years, teaching at all levels from beginner to PhD, currently operating out of the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, authoring and teaching undergraduate courses, and tutoring on the Masters in Literature and Art. Steve has also created Oxford University's online courses on Greek Mythology, The Fall of Rome and The Minoans and Mycenaeans. He lectures at the Victoria and Albert Museum and, as Professor of History of Art, runs the European Studies Classical Tour for Rhodes College and the University of the South. In addition to titles published by Robinson, A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief History of the Roman Empire and A Brief History of Atlantis, he has edited The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology. Steve was an expert contributor to the History Channel's Barbarians Rising series; former students include the Princess of Jordan; he translated the Greek inscription on Matthew Pinsent's fourth Olympic gold medal for him after his victory in Athens; and he is a guest speaker for the Royal Academy (through Cox & Kings). He lives in the Oxfordshire village of Deddington with his wife, the artist Lal Jones.

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