Neoplatonic Philosophy: Introductory Readings

This is a valuable anthology which makes a selection of key Neoplatonic texts available in new, accurate, and readable translations.--Anne Sheppard, Senior Lecturer in Classics, Royal Holloway, University of London

The most comprehensive collection of Neoplatonic writings available in English, this volume provides translations of the central texts of four major figures of the Neoplatonic tradition: Plotinus, Porphyry, Iamblichus, and Proclus. The general Introduction gives an overview of the period and takes a brief but revealing look at the history of ancient philosophy from the viewpoint of the Neoplatonists. Historical background--essential for understanding these powerful, difficult, and sometimes obscure thinkers--is provided in extensive footnotes, which also include cross-references to other works relevant to particular passages.