Plato: The Statesman (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political

In this review of Plato: The Statesman, the reviewer recommends the Cambridge translation for students and readers seeking a clearer view of a lesser-known Platonic dialogue. The book is best for readers who want a focused, accessible edition that highlights how Plato revised ideas from the Republic, especially the link between knowledge and political authority. The introduction and translation make the Statesman readable in a classroom setting, and the edition is strongest as a text for understanding shifts in Plato's thought rather than as a general survey of his entire political theory.

Key Features

• Accessible translation: The new translation clarifies difficult passages and makes the dialogue approachable for undergraduates and general readers.
• Contextual introduction: The introduction outlines the philosophical and historical background, helping readers situate the Statesman in Plato's development.
• Focus on political thought: The edition emphasizes how Plato altered his views on moral psychology and institutions after the Republic.
• Scholarly editing: The text is prepared for students of political thought, with careful attention to philosophical nuance and fidelity to the original dialogue.
• Complementary to the Republic: This translation highlights continuities and revisions that are useful for comparative study of Plato's works.

Who It's For

The Statesman edition is aimed primarily at students and instructors in political philosophy, classics, or history of political thought who need a reliable translation with an explanatory introduction. It suits seminar use, assigned readings, and anyone exploring how Plato reworked his views on rulers and institutions.

Readers seeking a broad introduction to Plato's entire corpus or a popular, nontechnical overview of ancient political thought should look elsewhere; this edition is tighter and more focused on the specific argument of the dialogue and assumes some background interest in philosophical method.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear modern translation that improves readability for contemporary students.
• Helpful introduction that places the dialogue within Plato's evolving political thought.
• Useful for close study and classroom discussion of knowledge as entitlement to rule.

Cons

• Because it is a focused academic text, it may not satisfy readers looking for a general survey of Plato's politics.

Specifications

Title	Plato: The Statesman (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)
Primary author	Plato
Editors/Translators	Julia Annas, Robin Waterfield
Series	Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
Content focus	Translation of the Statesman with introduction and background
Intended audience	Students and readers of political thought

Our Verdict

This Cambridge edition of the Statesman is recommended for readers who want a clear, well-introduced translation that illuminates Plato's revisions to the Republic, especially regarding law and institutions. It is good value for coursework and focused study, though casual readers seeking an overview of all Platonic politics may prefer a broader anthology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include commentary?
The book includes an introduction outlining philosophical and historical backgrounds but is primarily a translation rather than an extensive commentary.

Who translated this version?
The edition is translated and prepared with contributions by Julia Annas and Robin Waterfield.

Is this suitable for classroom use?
Yes, the translation and introduction are tailored for students and seminar discussion in political thought courses.