An award-winning public reader of Homer discusses poetry and the
nature of performance with the probing and insightful Socrates in
Plato's immortal dialogue.
Ion, a professional rhapsode, performer of dramatic recitations of Homer
and lecturer on poetry, has a revealing discussion with Socrates.
Acclaimed for the power of his performances, Ion becomes so involved in
performing that he feels the emotions described in his story and expects
them to be transmitted to his audience, inspiring laughter or tears.
More than this, Ion claims his understanding of Homer is second to none.
Socrates offers a chain of subtly wily questions that cause much
reconsideration of the nature of poets, poetry and artistic
interpretation. The even, ironic tone of the philosopher makes a sharp
and amusing contrast with Ion's pride and energy in this elegant example
of Plato's penetrating thought.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Ion is both modern and readable.