About the book
From the celebrated British author and historian: a brilliant new book combining historical inquiry and storytelling élan to paint an unprecedentedly vivid portrait of Socrates and the Golden Age of classical Athens.
We think the way we do because Socrates thought the way he did; in his unwavering commitment to truth and in the example of his own life, he set the standard for all subsequent Western philosophy. And yet, for twenty-five centuries, he has remained an enigma: a man who left no written legacy and about whom everything we know is hearsay. His life spanned “seventy of the busiest, most wonderful and tragic years in Athenian history.” Athens in the fifth century B.C. was a city devastated by war, but, at the same time, transformed by the burgeoning process of democracy. Drawing on the latest sources—archaeological, topographical, and textual—Hughes re-creates the streets where Socrates walked, to place him there, and to illuminate for us the world as he experienced it.
Editions of The Hemlock Cup
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780224071789
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781400041794
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781400076017
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780099554059
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307595294
Read an Excerpt
From the celebrated British author and historian: a brilliant new book combining historical inquiry and storytelling élan to paint an unprecedentedly vivid portrait of Socrates and the Golden Age of classical Athens.
We think the way we do because Socrates thought the way he did; in his unwavering commitment to truth and in the example of his own life, he set the standard for all subsequent Western philosophy. And yet, for twenty-five centuries, he has remained an enigma: a man who left no written legacy and about whom everything we know is hearsay. His life spanned “seventy of the busiest, most wonderful and tragic years in Athenian history.” Athens in the fifth century B.C. was a city devastated by war, but, at the same time, transformed by the burgeoning process of democracy. Drawing on the latest sources—archaeological, topographical, and textual—Hughes re-creates the streets where Socrates walked, to place him there, and to illuminate for us the world as he experienced it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hemlock Cup about?
From the celebrated British author and historian: a brilliant new book combining historical inquiry and storytelling élan to paint an unprecedentedly vivid portrait of Socrates and the Golden Age of classical Athens.
We think the way we do because Socrates thought the way he did; in his unwavering commitment to truth and in the example of his own life, he set the standard for all subsequent Western philosophy. And yet, for twenty-five centuries, he has remained an enigma: a man who left no written legacy and about whom everything we know is hearsay. His life spanned “seventy of the busiest, most wonderful and tragic years in Athenian history.” Athens in the fifth century B.C. was a city devastated by war, but, at the same time, transformed by the burgeoning process of democracy. Drawing on the latest sources—archaeological, topographical, and textual—Hughes re-creates the streets where Socrates walked, to place him there, and to illuminate for us the world as he experienced it.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Hemlock Cup?
History and Archaeology > History > Ancient history
Where can I read a sample of The Hemlock Cup?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780224071789
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Hemlock Cup?
Bettany Hughes
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Hemlock Cup is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780224071789) and hardcover(ISBN 9781400041794) and paperback(ISBN 9781400076017) and paperback(ISBN 9780099554059) and ebook(ISBN 9780307595294)
Where can I buy The Hemlock Cup online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Hemlock Cup from below
Where can I buy The Hemlock Cup?