Plato: Phaedrus (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics) - Scholarly

In this review of Plato: Phaedrus (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics) the bottom line is clear: this edition is for readers who want a rigorous, text-focused guide to one of Plato's most literary and argumentative dialogues. The edition combines a new Greek text and a substantial Commentary that illuminates Plato's exploration of rhetoric and eros, while the Introduction situates the dialogue historically and philosophically. Its depth makes it especially valuable to advanced undergraduates, graduate students and scholars rather than casual readers seeking a light translation.

Key Features

• New Greek text: Presents an updated Greek version of the Phaedrus meant to support close philological study and classroom use.
• Select textual apparatus: Offers concise critical notes that make variant readings accessible without overwhelming readers.
• Extensive Commentary: The Commentary elucidates language, structure and argument to show how Plato achieves his philosophical and literary goals.
• Introductory essay: Frames the dialogue's overall argument and traces reception, helping readers place the Phaedrus in a broader historical context.
• Focus on rhetoric and eros: Draws explicit links between the dialogue's debate on love and its prescriptions for the art of rhetoric.

Who It's For

This edition is best for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and academic readers who need a reliable Greek text and a thorough Commentary for coursework, seminars or research. The editorial material is tailored to readers who can follow Greek and want insight into textual decisions and interpretive options.

Those seeking a beginner-friendly translation or a short introduction to Plato should look elsewhere; this volume assumes prior familiarity with classical Greek and philosophical methods and is not optimized for casual reading.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Scholarly Commentary that clarifies linguistic choices and philosophical aims throughout the dialogue.
• New Greek text suitable for rigorous classroom use and close textual study.
• Introduction that situates the dialogue and explains Plato's approach to rhetoric and eros in context.
• Select textual apparatus that aids readers without requiring exhaustive bibliographic work.

Cons

• Not intended as a casual or introductory translation, so readers without Greek or prior background may find it demanding.

Specifications

Title	Plato: Phaedrus (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics)
Editor/Commentator	Harvey Yunis
Contents	Introduction, new Greek text, select textual apparatus, extensive Commentary
Primary focus	Rhetoric, eros and literary-philosophical interpretation
Intended audience	Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, scholars
Series	Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics

Our Verdict

This Cambridge edition of the Phaedrus is a solid academic resource for readers who require a dependable Greek text and informed exegesis of Plato's treatment of rhetoric and love. It represents good value for students and scholars because the combined Introduction, textual apparatus and detailed Commentary equip readers to follow complex arguments and judge interpretive choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include an English translation?
Answer. The volume centers on a new Greek text and Commentary; it is not primarily a fresh English translation for beginners.

Who wrote the Commentary?
Answer. The Commentary and editorial material are by Harvey Yunis, who provides explanatory notes and interpretive guidance throughout.

Is this suitable for undergraduate courses?
Answer. Yes, for advanced undergraduate courses in ancient Greek literature or philosophy, though introductory courses may prefer a translation-focused edition.