The Hemlock Cup

· Weidenfeld & Nicolson · Narrated by Bettany Hughes
Audiobook
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This book will become available on June 26, 2025. You will not be charged until it is released.

About this audiobook

'Terrific and passionate writing about a philosopher whose heroism is unquestionable . . . and as lively and learned an introduction to classical Athens as you could want' - Daily Telegraph

In The Hemlock Cup, award-winning historian Bettany Hughes brings to vivid life one of the most influential thinkers the world has ever known: Socrates of Athens. A maverick philosopher who philosophised in squares and public arenas rather than the courts of kings, Socrates left his indelible mark on the entirety of Western civilisation - yet the life of the man himself is shrouded in mystery.

What would life have been like in the Athens of Socrates's youth? How did the Socratic method come to dominate the way we think and learn? And what can Socrates teach us about how we should live? Drawing on fresh evidence and the latest archaeological discoveries, Bettany Hughes finally gives Socrates the biography he deserves - and shows just how relevant he remains to this day.

About the author

Bettany Hughes is an award-winning historian, author and broadcaster. Her previous books include Venus and Aphrodite (shortlisted for the Runciman Award), Istanbul (a Sunday Times bestseller and shortlisted for the Runciman Award), The Hemlock Cup (a New York Times bestseller and shortlisted for the Writers Guild award) and Helen Of Troy. All her books have been translated into multiple languages. She has made many documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4, PBS, National Geographic, ABC and the Discovery and History channels. Bettany has been a Professor at the New College of Humanities and Research Fellow at King's College London. She has been honoured with numerous awards including the Medlicott Medal for services to history, Europe's Cultural Heritage Prize and an OBE for services to history.

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