Plutarch's Lives, Volume 4 (of 4)

"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 4" by Plutarch is a set of historical biographies from the late 19th century focusing on significant figures from ancient times. The book explores the lives and impacts of people like Agis, Kleomenes, Tiberius and Caius Gracchus, and Cicero, presenting their stories and comparing their strengths and weaknesses. Revealing the political world of the past, it contrasts the qualities of important leaders while opening with a look at Agis and how he tried to bring back old Spartan values to a society struggling with inequality and corruption; the story cleverly compares Agis to Leonidas, highlighting Agis's dedication to tradition against a society changing for the worse, as it introduces Kleomenes and hints at the political clashes and destinies that await these kings.