by Plato
First published 1977
Socrates gathers with his companions to discuss the nature of reality itself. Timaeus takes the lead, describing how a divine creator shaped the cosmos from primordial chaos. He explains the mathematical principles governing celestial bodies, the formation of elements, and humanity's place in this grand design. The conversation then shifts to Critias, who recounts the legend of Atlantis. This powerful island empire, founded by Poseidon's descendants, once commanded vast territories and wealth. Its citizens lived in magnificent circular cities connected by canals. But their virtue corrupted over generations. Pride replaced wisdom, greed overtook justice. The gods watched as Atlantis transformed from an ideal society into a warlike state bent on conquest. When the Atlanteans finally moved against Athens, divine judgment fell upon them. In a single day and night of earthquakes and floods, their entire civilization vanished beneath the waves. Through these interwoven tales of cosmic order and human hubris, Socrates and his friends examine fundamental questions about creation, morality, and the rise and fall of civilizations.
Genres: philosophy, historical-fiction, fantasy, ancient
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, hubris
Setting: Athens, Atlantis
Period: Ancient
176 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics