C. D. C. REEVE is Professor of Philosophy and the Humanities, Reed College.
Review
�The Cratylus, Plato�s sole dialogue devoted to the relation between language and reality, is acknowledged to
be one of his masterpieces. But owing to its often enigmatic content no more than a handful of passages from it
have played a part in the global evaluation of Plato�s philosophy. This new English translation by C. D. C. Reeve
is the first since 1926, and incomparably the most helpful and accessible now available. It opens up the Cratylus
to all philosophically interested readers, as well as to cultural historians and to those whose primary concern
is the history of linguistics. The full and lucid Introduction does much to illuminate the internal dynamic of
this important text and to explain its place within Plato�s oeuvre.�
--David Sedley, University of Cambridge
�At long last, Reeve�s fine translation will make this rich work accessible to students and scholars of Plato.
In addition, Reeve�s long introductory essay provides a concise guide to the argument and is itself a significant
piece of scholarship. Teachers of Plato (and historical linguistics) are truly in his debt.�
--Allan Silverman, Ohio State University
Hackett Publishing Company Web Site, August, 2000
Summary
In the days before psychiatric drugs, Plato's friends Cratylus and Hermogenes become enmeshed in another one of his manic episodes. A 50- page introduction illuminates the internal dynamic of this important text and explains its place within Plato's oeuvre. This is the first translation since 1926 of Plato's only dialogue devoted to the relation between language and reality. For those interested in philosophy, cultural history, and history of linguistics. Paper edition (unseen), $12.95. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
