Plato's Republic: A Dialogue in 16 Chapters
Here is something really remarkable: a complete reimagining of the founding text of philosophy. This book calls itself a hyper-translation, but it is also a repetition with a difference: an utterly contemporary transposition -- and even sublimation -- of Plato's Republic. It is always our task to breathe life into the ancients. They feed on our blood. Badiou shows himself a master of vampirism.(Simon Critchley, New School for Social Research)Badiou's translation of Plato follows the ancient habit of pre-copyright times: it freely changes the original to make it fit contemporary conditions. So instead of sophists, we get corrupted journalists; instead of soul, we get the subject; and instead of Plato's critique of democracy, we get... well, a critique of today's democracy. The result is a resounding triumph: Plato comes fully alive as our contemporary, as someone who directly addresses our issues. This, not aseptic scholarly work, is the mark of true fidelity to our past.(Slavoj Žižek, author ofLiving in the End)A lively rendering.... Those familiar with Plato'sRepublicwill still hear Plato's voice in this engaging rendition.Library Journal(Library Journal)...a highly entertaining intellectual exercise.(France Magazine1900-01-00)A must read for students of Badiou.(Choice)