Greek and Roman Lives

Written early in the second century, Plutarch'sLivesoffers richly detailed and anecdotal profiles of some of the ancient world's mightiest and most influential figures. Plutarch's writing explores individual characters and personalities, to see how they led ultimately to tragedy or victory. This anonymous translation was associated with John Dryden because it was originally published in 1683-1686 in conjunction with a life of Plutarch by Dryden. In 1864, it was revised by the poet and scholar Arthur Hugh Clough, whose preface and notes are also featured. This selection from Plutarch's massive work features ten biographies, including those of Alexander the Great, Cicero, and Julius Caesar.