Aristotle
The First Teacher
Will be published approx. on 15. September 2026
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-0-300-27994-8 (ISBN)
Description
The first modern biography of Aristotle-student of Plato, tutor to Alexander, and architect of ideas still studied around the world
Aristotle stands among the most brilliant and influential figures in history, the inventor of almost every subject studied in universities today, from biology to political science to literary criticism to logic. Yet until now his life has remained a mystery.
In this book, Philip Freeman brings Aristotle (384-322 BCE) vividly to life, from his orphan childhood to his years as Plato's student in Athens and his role as tutor to Alexander the Great in Macedonia. Drawing on ancient sources and modern scholarship, Freeman traces Aristotle's journey through a world of political upheaval and intellectual revolution, revealing Aristotle not only as a philosopher but as a scientist, literary critic, and seeker of happiness-a man who dissected sea creatures, mapped the stars, and invented logic to make sense of life's complexities.
Aristotle's ideas still shape how we think about truth, virtue, and the good life. This is the definitive portrait of one of history's greatest minds-the thinker Dante called "the master of those who know."
Aristotle stands among the most brilliant and influential figures in history, the inventor of almost every subject studied in universities today, from biology to political science to literary criticism to logic. Yet until now his life has remained a mystery.
In this book, Philip Freeman brings Aristotle (384-322 BCE) vividly to life, from his orphan childhood to his years as Plato's student in Athens and his role as tutor to Alexander the Great in Macedonia. Drawing on ancient sources and modern scholarship, Freeman traces Aristotle's journey through a world of political upheaval and intellectual revolution, revealing Aristotle not only as a philosopher but as a scientist, literary critic, and seeker of happiness-a man who dissected sea creatures, mapped the stars, and invented logic to make sense of life's complexities.
Aristotle's ideas still shape how we think about truth, virtue, and the good life. This is the definitive portrait of one of history's greatest minds-the thinker Dante called "the master of those who know."
Reviews / Votes
"Few people have exerted a greater influence than Aristotle. Yet his life is shrouded in mystery and legend. With this concise and elegant construction, Philip Freeman has performed a tremendous service while also shedding light on this pivotal period of Ancient Greek and European history."-Neel Burton, author of The Gang of Three: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle"This book brings one of antiquity's most formidable minds to life with clarity and verve, tracing his journey from the Macedonian court to Plato's Academy and beyond. A fine introduction for any reader curious to know about this extraordinary philosopher."-Armand D'Angour, author of Socrates in Love
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
1 b-w illus.
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-300-27994-8 (9780300279948)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Philip Freeman is Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and professor of the humanities at Pepperdine University. His books include Julian: Rome's Last Pagan Emperor; Hannibal: Rome's Greatest Enemy; Alexander the Great; and Julius Caesar.