Henry Graham Dakyns / Xenophon
The lengthiest and most famous of Xenophon’s Socratic writings, the Memorabilia is a defense of Socrates, offering edifying examples of Socrates’ conversations and activities. Xenophon argues that Socrates was innocent of the formal charges against him: failure to recognize the gods of Athens, introduction of new gods, and corruption of youth. He demonstrates through recounted conversations how Socrates benefited Athenians and their society.The Memorabilia is assumed to have been completed after 371 BC, as the text makes reference to the Spartan defeat at the Battle of Leuctra in that year. Xenophon likely aimed to reach a wider range of readers, many of whom may have welcomed the down-to-earth advice his depiction of Socrates gives. Xenophon’s portrayal of Socrates was highly influential to Athenian society, and assists modern scholars in understanding how various schools of ancient thought made use of Socrates.This case laminate collector’s edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.
