The definitive translation of Plato's Republic, the most influential text in the history of Western philosophy "No one else has even come close to balancing Bloom's fidelity to Greek with intelligible English prose."--National Review Long regarded as the most accurate rendering of Plato's Republic that has yet been published, this widely acclaimed translation by Allan Bloom was the first to take a strictly literal approach. In addition to the annotated text, there is also a rich and valuable essay--as well as indices--which will enable readers to better understand the heart of Plato's intention. This edition includes an introduction by renowned critic Adam Kirsch, setting the work in its intellectual context for a new generation of students and readers.