Plutarch's Cimon And Pericles With The Funeral Oration Of Pericles

In this review of Plutarch's Cimon And Pericles With The Funeral Oration Of Pericles the bottom line is simple: this volume is for readers who want close, readable accounts of two defining Athenian leaders and the famous funeral oration that encapsulates Athenian ideals. The book compiles Plutarch's biographies of Cimon and Pericles along with the Funeral Oration of Pericles, offering historical narrative, moral observation, and context for Athens in the 5th century BC. For students of classical history or anyone interested in leadership in antiquity, it is a compact way to encounter these figures in Plutarch's distinctly biographical voice.

Key Features

• Two focused biographies: The book presents Plutarch's life of Cimon, giving readers a clear sense of his military career and political alliances in 5th century BC Athens.
• Pericles in context: The Pericles biography outlines his democratic reforms, cultural patronage, and role during the Peloponnesian War to show why he defined Athens' Golden Age.
• Includes the Funeral Oration: The famous Funeral Oration of Pericles is included, offering a primary-text window into contemporary Athenian ideals and public rhetoric.
• Biographical and essayistic approach: Plutarch's mix of anecdote, character study, and moral reflection helps readers understand both public deeds and personal reputation.
• Compact historical resource: As a single volume focused on two leaders and a major speech, it is convenient for reference, coursework, or comparative reading.

Who It's For

This edition is best for students of classical history, philosophy, political thought, and anyone curious about leadership and civic rhetoric in ancient Greece. It suits readers who appreciate biography as a way to explore historical causes and personalities rather than a purely chronological history.

Readers seeking a comprehensive military history, an annotated scholarly edition with apparatus, or a modern commentary on every passage should look elsewhere; this book is primarily a readable presentation of Plutarch's texts and their moral-historical framing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Concise pairing of two influential Athenian figures that highlights contrasts in career and leadership.
• Includes the Funeral Oration, a central primary source for Athenian civic ideals.
• Readable biographical style makes complex historical material accessible to non-specialists.

Cons

• Not a critical edition with extensive scholarly notes, so advanced researchers may need supplemental texts.

Specifications

Author	Plutarch
Editor / Translator	Bernadotte Perrin
Contents	Biographies of Cimon and Pericles; Funeral Oration of Pericles
Subject	Ancient Greek biography and political history
Historical focus	5th century BC Athens

Our Verdict

Plutarch's paired biographies of Cimon and Pericles with the Funeral Oration offer a high-value introduction to two central figures of Athenian history and the rhetoric that shaped civic identity. Students and general readers will find this book a useful, well-focused companion for coursework or personal reading because it combines narrative, moral observation, and a key primary speech in a single accessible volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include the actual text of the Funeral Oration?
Yes. The Funeral Oration of Pericles is included alongside the biographies, providing the primary text for that speech.

Who edited or translated this edition?
The work lists Bernadotte Perrin as the editor/translator associated with this edition of Plutarch's texts.

Is this a critical annotated edition?
No. This is primarily a readable presentation of Plutarch's biographies and the Funeral Oration rather than a heavily annotated scholarly critical edition.