Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4)

"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1" by Plutarch is a collection of biographies from the late 1st century AD that presents a rich depiction of influential Greeks and Romans, highlighting their characters and legacies. Plutarch's approach focuses on the moral and ethical dimensions of these figures, rather than just historical events, offering insights into their lives and the impact of their actions. The initial part of the book describes Plutarch's goals as a biographer with a focus on going beyond historical records to provide moral and ethical reflections through his narrative portrayals. The introduction also gives readers context about his life and work, sharing stories about the Greek and Roman leaders he writes about, emphasizing the continuing relevance of his biographies and the power of history to teach moral lessons.