The Trial and the Death of Socrates

By: Plato

Narrated by: Bruce Alexander, Jamie Glover, David Timson

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The Trial and the Death of Socrates remains a powerful document not least because it gives a first-hand account of the end of one of the greatest figures in history.

In Apology, Socrates defends himself before the Athenian court against charges of corrupting youth. Phaedo is the account by a young man of the actual last words and moments of Socrates.

Tom Griffith presents these with scene-setting introductions to the historical situation in this new translation.

Translated by Tom Griffith.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2001 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2001 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd.

Apology is excellent, the rest isn't for driving.

This recording sounds like its over 20 years old, but the performance is so good that the listener forgets about the sound quality. In my opinion, the Apology part of this recording is actually the most captivating performance of the works of Plato on Audible. However, the dialougues such as Crito are hard to follow if one isn't concentrating, don't try listening to them during your morning drive.

5 stars!

This is a really excellent piece! The audio is perfect, the reader is clear and acts the part of Socrates well. Socrates, for his part, comes off as a tad arrogant, but always insightful, fascinating and moving.

Very good

This was my second probe into Plato, the first being Plato in 90 minutes, and I found it very easy to follow. The narrators are excellent. You won't be disapponted if you appreciate wisdom.

great read

very interesting book, awesome, highly recommend, a lot of wisdom and full story of Socrates trial and death

Outstanding Performance!

The performance makes the trial come to life!
I have been assigned to read Plato's "Apology" for my Philosophy 101 class, and got this audiobook to make it easier. Definitely recommend!

The way the work is read makes it seem as if you were actually a member of the jury at the time and place of Socrates' trial. They even put some echo in there to make it seem more real- a really neat touch.

A good amount of context is given at the beginning and end of each section, making it much easier to understand what is going on and why is it being executed the way it is.

There are several sections to this audiobook- context information, "The Apology", and other works that go with it including the account of Socrates' actual death.

This work of literature is a classic. Thought provocative, supremely rhetorical, definitely something to reflect and learn from.

Tragic death

Great information to share.
Great principles to live by.
This is a good book for beginner readers of philosophy.
Chapter 4&5 were a little drug out; nonetheless, I enjoyed it. Thank you

Interesting - but........

I love that Audible gives me access to classic literature like this.

The first part dealing with the trial is interesting but it is a bit frustrating that the details of the prosecution are absent.

The third section, which deals with Socrates's "testament" (kind of) sounds like two blokes in a pub talking rubbish. I get the irony that this is me accusing Socrates of talking nonsense but the philosophy is so outdated that it just sounds like the sort of guff that I spout when I'm drunk. But these are Socratese words and without this audiobook I'd never have heard them. Well worth it.

Recording is good and clear if a bit flat in tone.

Fearless in life and fearless in death.

Here was a man who was innocent as a dove and crafty as a serpent. He was the father of philosophy in that he was willing to die for his calling. This story is so much more poignant when you realize that he knows he is going to be put to death for his views. I like his mention of the inner voice that he obeyed always - his conscience. Worth the read, quite inspiring!

Even better than I expected

I enjoyed everything about this audio book. The reader is good about keeping a steady pace as he reads, allowing you to absorb Socrates's words.

The text, in itself is amazing. Even a couple thousand years after his death it is still very insightful and pertinent.

Good at first, then boring

The first part of this story is great, when Socrates is speaking at his trial. Then, Socrates is very witty and grounded and stays on topic. There is a definite feeling of conflict, and yet Socrates manages to keep this very humble humorous tone, which at times is genuinely hilarious. But, after that, Socrates and his friends get into these obnoxious circular arguments that are so tedious, and which often relied on false equivalence or statements that seem ridiculous by modern standards. What really makes it unbearable though is that no one ever really says no to Socrates or really argues with him, so there's no conflict or tension to make it interesting, it's just hours of hearing Socrates make repetative statements while his friends go "Yes, Socrates, I suppose it must be so."