Hierocles of Alexandria [Hardcover]

Hierocles of Alexandria was a Neoplatonic philosopher of the fifth century AD. Hermann S. Schibli surveys his life, writings, and pagan and Christian surroundings, and succintly examines the major points of his philosophy, both contemplative and practical. He includes the first modern English translations, with helpful notes, of Hierocles'Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreansand of the remnants of his treatiseOn Providence.

Part I. The Life and Philosophy of Hierocles
1. The Life of Hierocles
2. The Philosophy of Hierocles
3. Providence, fate, and free will
Part II. Translation of theCommentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans
Part III. Translation ofOn Providence

This work is interesting not only for its account of the reconciliation of fate and freedom, but also for its valuable historical information about the evolution of Neoplatonism through the ancient into the early Christian era. Schibli's translations are impeccable, and his scholarship, which demonstrates his familiarity with virtually all current scholarship on this historical period, is nothing short of phenomenal. This is a most valuable book for all research scholars of ancient history. Highly recommended. --Choice

Hermann S. Schibli is Visiting Professor of Classics at the Universitat Passau, Germany