BIBLIO is the largest independent book marketplace in the world, with over 100 million books.

Skip to content

The Symposium
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium Paperback - 2003

by Plato; Christopher Gill (Translator); Introduction by Christopher Gill

Add to wish list

Translated with an Introduction and Notes by Christopher Gill.

Summary

In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on eros, or desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society and the sublimation of basic human instincts. The discussion culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato's mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love—as a response to beauty, a cosmic force, a motive for social action and as a means of ethical education.

Reader reviews for The Symposium

Write a review for this book

There are no reviews for this book yet. Be the first to write a review!

Your review will be anonymous unless you login or create an account first.

Overall rating
Remember: You’re rating the book as a work, not the seller or the condition of the specific copy you purchased!

Important Terms and Guidelines

  • Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
  • Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
  • Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
  • This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
  • Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
  • Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
  • Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
  • Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
  • Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
  • Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information

From the publisher

A fascinating discussion on sex, gender, and human instincts, as relevant today as ever

In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on eros, or desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society and the sublimation of basic human instincts. The discussion culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato's mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love--as a response to beauty, a cosmic force, a motive for social action and as a means of ethical education.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Details

  • Title The Symposium
  • Author Plato; Christopher Gill (Translator); Introduction by Christopher Gill
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 144
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Classics, London
  • Publication date 2003-04-29
  • Features Bibliography
  • ISBN 9780140449273 / 0140449272
  • Weight 0.25 lbs (0.11 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.77 x 5.1 x 0.35 in (19.74 x 12.95 x 0.89 cm)
  • Age range 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Reading level 1250
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
  • Category Philosophy
  • Library of Congress subjects Love, Socrates
  • Dewey Decimal Code 184

About the author

Plato (c.427-347 BC) stands with Socrates and Aristotle as one of the shapers of the whole intellectual tradition of the West. He founded the Academy in Athens, the first permanent institution devoted to philosophical research and teaching, and theprototype of all Western universities.

Christopher Gill is a Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter. He has written widely on ancient philosophy and literature.

Back to top↑

More Copies for Sale

Show all copies
The Symposium (Penguin Classics)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium (Penguin Classics)

by Plato

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
2
Seller
ateambooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$7.30
A$4.39 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Classics, 4/29/2003 12:00:01 A. paperback. Good. 0.4331 in x 7.6772 in x 5.0394 in. Used books may not include access codes or one time use codes. Proven Seller with Excellent Customer Service. Choose expedited shipping and get it FAST.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.30
A$4.39 Delivery to USA
The Symposium (Penguin Classics)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium (Penguin Classics)

by Plato; Gill, Christopher

  • Used
  • Very good
Condition
Very good
Edition
Reissue
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
1
Seller
BooksRun
Item price
A$7.39
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Classics. Reissue. Very Good. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.39
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium (Penguin Classics)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium (Penguin Classics)

by Plato; Gill, Christopher

  • Used
  • Acceptable
Condition
Acceptable
Edition
Reissue
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
1
Seller
BooksRun
Item price
A$8.23
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Classics. Reissue. Acceptable. The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$8.23
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium

The Symposium

by Plato

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
17
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.28
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Group, 2003. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.28
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium

The Symposium

by Plato

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
1
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.41
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Group, 2003. Paperback. Good. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.41
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium

The Symposium

by Plato

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
3
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.50
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2003. Paperback. Very Good. Disclaimer:A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.50
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium

The Symposium

by Plato

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
9
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.68
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2003. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.68
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium

by Plato

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
7
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.75
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.75
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium

by Plato

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$10.84
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$10.84
Free Delivery to USA
The Symposium (Penguin Classics)
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Symposium (Penguin Classics)

by Plato

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
Edition
Reissue
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140449273 / 0140449272
Quantity available
1
Seller
Ergodebooks
Item price
A$16.00
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin, 2003-04-29. Reissue. paperback. Used: Good. 0.31x5.51x8.50. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$16.00
Free Delivery to USA
Show all copies
Back to top↑

Please wait a moment while we load the requested page.