Jun Lim

Socrates: The Public Conscience of Golden Age Athens is part of The Library of Greek Philosophers series. It is a straightforward account of what is known and surmised about this notable Greek figure. Socrates didn’t leave any writings for historians to explore, so they are left with secondary sources—primarily written accounts by Plato, the playwright Aristophanes, and a military general and Socrates disciple Xenophon—from which to glean an understanding of this colorful Athenian philosopher. Author Jun Lim incorporates historical accounts about the major events that framed his life, including the Peloponnesian Wars, and gives many anecdotes about Athens as a forward-thinking city-state and the democratic institutions and sensibilities that it produced.

The book’s format is traditional, and, as is the case with many nonfiction series books for students, it will not engage the average teen. This has to do mainly with the subject matter. Lim gives clear explanations of some of the main ideas that Socrates espoused and how he challenged other Greek scholars and the status quo. The circumstances surrounding his trial and death, including speculations on options given to him to survive after the trial, are provocative. Students interested in Greek philosophers and Athens’ Golden Age can learn a great deal about Socrates and the times in which he lived from this book—if they can manage the dryness of the material. The book’s design—and that of the entire series—is understated—with muted colors and graphics. Paintings depicting certain events in the life of Socrates from various periods of art and examples of classical Greek sculpture nicely enhance the narrative. I found it odd that the term “classical” was not used anywhere in the book, since I associate that period with that term. Also, I was confused about the following point: Socrates found out that the Oracle at Delphi considered him the wisest man of all time. His friend, Chaerephon, who asked the Oracle that question, told Socrates what transpired at Delphi. According to the book’s timeline, Socrates went to Delphi at this same time, yet the book describes Chaerephon reporting the incident to Socrates. With 21st century hindsight, Socrates comes off as an odd, often annoying character, despite his intellect and debating prowess. The book even speculates about his mental stability. Target audience grades 6-8.… (plus d'informations)