Classic Profiles
This is a 1676 edition of The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans, compared together by the 1st-century BCE Greek philosopher and historian Plutarch of Chaeronea, printed by the printer to the University of Cambridge John Hayes for the bookseller George Sawbridge. Originally written in Greek, Plutarch's Lives appeared in print for the first time as a Latin translation in 1470, and this English translation by Sir Thomas North was first published in 1579 from a French translation by James Amiot (Jacques Amyot). The text is a collection biographies of famous Greeks and Romans, including Alexander the Great, Pericles, Tiberius Gracchus, and Cicero. These figures left an indelible mark on history, their lives and achievements shaping the world as we know it.
Sir Thomas North (1535 – c. 1604) was an English translator and lawyer significantly contributing to English literature. His translation of Plutarch's Lives served as the primary source text for William Shakespeare's Roman plays, a testament to his work's enduring influence. This translation is regarded as one of the earliest examples of exceptional English prose. It was followed by another edition in 1595, which included updated biographies. A third edition of North's Plutarch was published in 1603, including even more translated Parallel Lives and a supplement of other biographies.
Jacques Amyot (1513-1593), a French scholar, writer, and translator, made substantial contributions to the field of translation and literature. His work on the translation of Plutarch's Lives (1559-1565) was instrumental in shaping the literary landscape of his time and laid the foundation for future translations and interpretations of Plutarch's work.
The first edition of this book was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. This dedication reflects the book's significance and provides a glimpse into the political and cultural landscape of the time, adding another layer of depth to the reader's understanding. Plutarch’s Lives helped shape the understanding of the classical Greek democracies and oligarchies of the Roman Republic and the role attributed to their founders—among them the legendary Lycurgus of Sparta and the Athenian lawgiver Solon.
-Melissa, Special Collections Classics Intern
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Fern and Solon commission done for a friend!! Love these gals to pieces <333
Interested in a commish from me?? Just shoot me a DM!
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"Bless the weather"
Tried to draw one of Solon's redesigns in an actual setting to see if this is the one and.... still not sure :') had fun drawing his pissed off face tho
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Those Who Slither in the Dark
GBA style portraits of Thales, Kronya, and Solon from Fire Emblem Three Houses. Made for the Night in the Abyss.
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Gold coin of Croesus, King of Lydia (made around 550 BC), currently at the British Museum.
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Jaan: I’m gonna need a human skull and I can't have you ask any questions why.
Solon: Only if you also don't ask why
Solon: *Pulls out 7 pristine human skulls* Take your pick.
Jaan:
Solon:
Jaan: This one is fine
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First, learn to be governed; then govern.
ἄρχε πρῶτον μαθὼν ἄρχεσθαι.
--Solon, apud Diogenes Laertius 1.60
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This right here is the peak human form.
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