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The first philosophers of Greece : An edition and translation of the remaining fragments of the pre-Sokratic philosophers, together with a translation of the more important accounts of their opinions contained in the early epitomes of their works

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The first philosophers of Greece : An edition and translation of the remaining fragments of the pre-Sokratic philosophers, together with a translation of the more important accounts of their opinions contained in the early epitomes of their works

by Arthur Fairbanks

EN·~8 hours·16 chapters

Chapters

16 total

Transcriber’s Note: In the original, parts of this book were printed with the Greek text on one page with critical notes below, and the English translation on the facing page. This is not practical to reproduce in an e-text, so the Greek is given first, followed by the critical notes, followed by the translation.

0:48

PREFACE

4:10

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.

0:30

THE FIRST PHILOSOPHERS OF GREECE - I. THALES.

12:42

II. ANAXIMANDROS.

15:07

III. ANAXIMENES.

9:27

IV. HERAKLEITOS.

1:06:00

V. THE ELEATIC SCHOOL: XENOPHANES.

32:24

VI. THE ELEATIC SCHOOL: PARMENIDES.

43:39

VII. THE ELEATIC SCHOOL: ZENO.

14:14

Description

Delve into the dawn of Western thought with a clear, well‑organized presentation of the surviving fragments of the pre‑Socratic thinkers. The work gathers the often‑scattered sayings of Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Heraclitus and their contemporaries, offering a reliable Greek text followed by concise critical notes. An English translation renders these ancient voices vivid and understandable for today’s listeners, while preserving the nuance of the original language.

Beyond the fragments themselves, the volume includes the most significant excerpts from Plato, Aristotle and the early doxographers that illuminate each philosopher’s ideas. Organized by school and individual, the collection guides the listener through the early Ionic and Eleatic traditions, the Pythagorean circle and later Empedoclean insights. Designed for students and curious minds alike, it provides a compact yet thorough foundation for anyone wishing to trace the roots of Plato’s and Aristotle’s later doctrines.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~8 hours (495K characters)

Release date

2026-05-12

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Arthur Fairbanks

Arthur Fairbanks

1864–1944

A leading American classicist and museum figure, he helped bring the art and ideas of the ancient world to a wider public. His writing combines scholarship with a clear, approachable style that still makes Greek art and literature feel alive.

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