Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans is also known as Parallel Lives or Plutarch’s Lives.   This book is believe to have been written in the beginning of the Second Century A.D.  It consists of a series of 23 pairs of biographies of leaders from Greek and Roman history and written in a manner that emphasized moral virtues and failings and the times in which these individuals had lived.

It is important to know that the study is more one of teaching by example lessons pertinent to ethics than historical facts.   It should also be known that he often enough did not rely on the best of authorities in setting out these lives.  As such, they are numerous consequent errors and inaccuracies.

This being said, along the way through his writings, Plutarch also manages to impart a lot of valuable information that fills in gaps that would otherwise exist.  While errors as noted were repeated and did occur, there are few critics who doubt his moral earnestness.  Because of this, this work continues to attract readers though today.

Today’s reading pertains to the life of Julius Caesar.  His story can be read here:

http://www.bartleby.com/12/10.html#55

The complete audiobook of Plutarch’s Lives can be listened to here: