Abstract

The second new translation-commentary of the Phaedo to appear in a year. Professor Hackforth's translation is not quite so economical and smooth at that of Mr. Bluck --he tends sometimes to prolixity and archaic constructions--but the two versions seem equally accurate. Hackforth's notes are less philosophically assertive than Bluck's, and less systematic; his interpretation of the dialogue generally is more orthodox and less polemical than the latter's. The present edition seems superior as regards the division of the dialogue into chapters, organization of the translation, notes, and commentary, and in the general elegance of its printing and design. But both editions are excellent, and it is hard to choose between them.--V. C. C.