The definitive translation of Plato's Republic , the most influential text in the history of Western philosophy "No one else has even come close to balancing Bloom's fidelity to Greek with intelligible English prose."-- National Review Long regarded as the most accurate rendering of Plato's Republic that has yet been published, this widely acclaimed translation by Allan Bloom was the first to take a strictly literal approach. In addition to the annotated text, there is also a rich and valuable essay--as well as indices--which will enable readers to better understand the heart of Plato's intention. This edition includes an introduction by renowned critic Adam Kirsch, setting the work in its intellectual context for a new generation of students and readers.