THE LAST OF THE WINE

by Mary Renault ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

The distinction in this book lies in the extraordinary fidelity with which life in ancient Greece, in the time of Sokrates, is given immediacy and vitality. Two youths, both ardent admirers and pupils of Sokrates, are the central characters, and the story is told in the first person by Alexias. While Alexias and Lysis are fictional characters, it is through them one follows the training of Athenian youth, the moral codes and ethics of their times, the events of petty wars and major wars, of famine and siege, of the Isthmian games -and of the changing face of politics as leaders are made and broken. The philosophers and teachers, the poets and dramatists, the artists and artisans include many names familiar in the period following Athens' golden age,- Xenophon, Plato, Alkibiades, Phaedo, all cross the stage of the events. Alexias grows to man's estate and history is made. The story purports to be papers found by Alexias' grandson and namesake. I'd suggest that the market for this is probably that of Hadrian's Memoirs.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 0375726810

Page Count: -

Publisher: Pantheon

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1956

Categories: FICTION