Description
Book SynopsisIn fourth-century Greece Archytas of Tarentum solved a famous mathematical puzzle, saved Plato from the tyrant of Syracuse and led a powerful Greek city state. This 2005 book presents an interpretation of his significance for fourth-century Greek thought and provides a full commentary on all the fragments and testimonia.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'Huffman's book offers expert discussion of a variety of difficult topics … a much needed and authoritative commentary … Lucid argued, helpfully organised, and impressive in its scholarship, this book sets a high standard indeed … a rich volume of over 600 pages … there is much of real value here … a detailed and scholarly treatment of dauntingly difficulty material. Scholars owe Huffman a debt for undertaking this task, and executing it with such authority. It is a work to emulate'. Sylvia Berryman, The University of British Columbia
Review of the hardback: 'We have here another blockbuster offering from Carl Huffman who has already put us in his debt by a definite study of Philolaus. This work will serve in turn to establish Archytas as a philosopher in his own right, and not simply a footnote to Pythagoras, as has all too often been the case hitherto.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Table of ContentsPart I. Introductory Essays: 1. Life, writings and reception; 2. The philosophy of Archytas; 3. The authenticity question; Part II. Genuine Fragments: 1. Fragment 1; 2. Fragment 2; 3. Fragment 3; 4. Fragment 4; Part III: Genuine Testimonia: 1. Life and writings (A1–A6, B5–B8); 2. Moral philosophy and character; 3. Geometry: the duplication of the cube (A14 and A15); 4. Music; 5. Metaphysics; 6. Physics; 7. Miscellaneous testimonia; Appendix: Spurious writings and testimonia; Appendix: Archytas' name.
