The Alcibiades was widely read in antiquity as the very best introduction to Plato. Alcibiades in his youth associated with Socrates, and went on to a spectacularly disgraceful career in politics. When Socrates was executed for 'corrupting the young men', Alcibiades was cited as a prime example. This dialogue represents Socrates meeting the charming but intellectually lazy Alcibiades as he is about to enter adult life, and using all his wiles in an attempt to win him for philosophy. In spite of its ancient reputation, many modern scholars have thought that the Alcibiades is not by Plato and it has therefore lacked a decent commentary. This edition remedies that lack. The notes explain difficulties of linguistic, literary and philosophical detail. The introduction includes a discussion of the dialogue's authenticity, and of the consequences that acknowledging its authenticity has for our conception of Plato's intellectual development.

"This text will be essential for all students of Plato..." Religious Studies Review

"The Alcibiades is rich in Platonic argument and character portrayal, and its relatively simple structure makes it attractive for its traditional use as an introduction to Plato. Further, the editor and Cambridge University Press have produced an attractive and handy book, reminiscent of Burnet's Phaedo in size and format, though with smaller type. Whether or not the Alcibiades is returned to the place it held in the canon for more than two millennia, this volume will be a convenient resource at many levels." Journal of the History of Philosophy