Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

Diogenes Laertius was a Greek writer who probably lived in the first half of the third century AD. Nothing is known about his life, apart from his authorship of the Lives of the Eminent Philosophers. He also wrote poems, most of them now lost.Pamela Mensch is a translator of ancient Greek whose works include The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander, Herodotus' Histories, and Plutarch's The Age of Caesar: Five Roman Lives.James Miller is Professor of Liberal Studies and Politics and Faculty Director of Creative Publishing & Critical Journalism at the New School for Social Research. He has authored and edited an array of works, including Examined Lives: From Socrates to Nietzsche, The Passion of Michel Foucault, and History and Human Existence: From Marx to Merleau-Ponty.

Now, readers can consult the Lives in a beautiful English translation by Pamela Mensch. This translation will undoubtedly supersede that by Robert Hicks, published in 1925 and until now the standard English version. [...] Oxford University Press have also done a wonderful job. The footnotes...are well judged, providing important background information without overwhelming the text. Embellishment is provided in the form of many philosophically inspired artworks, all handsomely reproduced [...] A set of essays by leading scholars such as Anthony Grafton, Ingrid Rowland and Dorandi himself help introduce the Lives and its reception to general readers. The book is like no history of philosophy that such readers will be used to.

• Preface, James MillerIntroduction, A. A. LongTranslator's Note, Pamela MenschMapLives of the Eminent PhilosophersBook 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6 Book 7 Book 8 Book 9 Book 10Guide to Further Reading, Jay R. ElliottGlossary of Ancient Sources, Joseph M. LemelinIllustration CreditsIndex