Plutarch's Lives (Selected‪)‬

Plutarch's Lives is one of the most enduring works of Western civilization—a gallery of heroes and leaders whose ambitions, virtues, and flaws still speak to us across the centuries. In this vibrant modern-English edition, Plutarch’s famous Parallel Lives are presented in clear, flowing prose that captures both the drama and the wisdom of the original. From the lawgivers Lycurgus and Numa to the conquerors Alexander and Caesar, each paired biography becomes a mirror for human character and moral choice. Plutarch wrote not as a historian piling up dates, but as a philosopher exploring how great men shaped—and were shaped by—their times. This selection gathers the most celebrated lives, including Theseus and Romulus, Pericles and Fabius, Alcibiades and Coriolanus, and many more, each followed by Plutarch’s own comparison. Faithful to the substance and spirit of the Greek text, this edition makes the ancient world accessible without losing its depth. For modern readers seeking insight, leadership lessons, or simply a compelling story, Plutarch remains an indispensable companion. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.