The Works of Plato Abridg'd. by PLATO - 1720

London: For A. Bell, J. Darby, A. Bettesworth [& 8 others in London],, 1720. With an account of his life, philosophy, morals, and politicks. Together with a translation of his choicest dialogues, Viz. 1. Of Human Nature. 2. Of Prayer. 3. Of Wisdom. 4. Of Holiness. 5. What one ought to do. 6. Immortality of the Soul. 7. Valour. 8. Philosophy. In two volumes. Illustrated with notes. By M. Dacier. Translated from the French, by several hands. The Second Edition, Corrected. 2 volumes, duodecimo (162 x 92 mm). Contemporary panelled calf, spines numbered in gilt else plain, red speckled edges. Portrait frontispiece to each volume. Contemporary bookplate of James Horton on reverse of title pages, price of volumes (5 shillings) written in contemporary hand on pastedowns. Spines slightly chipped at ends, front joints cracking, very minor stain on each rear cover. Overall a very good set. Second collected edition in English. The first edition, published in 1701, was the first substantial collection of the works of Plato to appear in the English language. On its first appearance, it was the first publication in English of the first and second Alcibiades, Euthyphron, Theges, Laches, Protagoras, and second appearances of the Apology and Phaedo, which were first published in 1675. It was translated, not from the original Greek, but from the 1699 French edition of André Dacier. The direct translation of Plato into English occurred remarkably late in comparison with other classical authors and it was not until the translations of Sydenham and Taylor (published in 1804) that English scholars were provided with a near-complete translation from the Greek. The Dacier editions (in French and English) remained the standard text throughout the 18th century, with three more editions following in 1739, 1749 and 1772. The text of the present second edition followed the first with some corrections.