Categories and De Interpretatione (Clarendon Aristotle) [Paperback]

Aristotle (Author), J. L. Ackrill (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"an admirable and ingenious piece of philosophical scholarship" D. W. Hamlyn, Classical Review

"Ackrill's translation and commentary on Aristotle's Categories is an excellent introduction to the treatise." C. Witt, University of New Hampshire

About the Author

J. L. Ackrill is at University of Oxford.

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 24, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198720866
• ISBN-13: 978-0198720867
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best available translation and commentary, July 25, 2004

By 

G. T. (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Categories and De Interpretatione (Clarendon Aristotle) (Paperback)

The Categories and the De Interpretatione are very interesting and important works of Aristotle. Anyone who wants to understand any part of Aristotle's philosophy will surely have to acquaint himself with these works.

J.L. Ackrill's translations are in my oppinion the best available English translations of Aristotle's Categories and De Interpretatione. Although E.M. Edghills translations (in Richard McKeon's Basic Works of Aristotle) are also highly readable, Ackrill's translations are more accurate.

The commentary is quite good, and as usual, Ackrill writes very clearly. Although space does not permit him to exhaust every topic, his notes are very helpful, and all in all the commentary is far superior to other commentaries on the Categories or the De Interpretatione known to me (e.g. H.G. Apostle's Aristotle's Categories and Propositions). There is also a glossary and index of subjects which are helpful.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in (a) the Categories or the De Interpretatione, (b) Aristotle, (c) ancient philosophy, or (d) philosophy.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarendon Series offers first-rate scholarship, May 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Categories and De Interpretatione (Clarendon Aristotle) (Paperback)

I and my fellow philosophers have found the Clarendon Series to be quite helpful all around, especially in the case of the Categories. Instead of being adjusted to fit English idiomatic expression, Clarendon translations are quite literal (to the apparent chagrin of some). With this translation of Aristotle's Categories, one can develop an excellent picture of what Aristotle really said (without reading the Greek itself); and with the supplementary help of the extensive and thorough commentary, one can also develop a sense of where Aristotle was going (i.e. what issues he faced at the time, which concepts later philosophers borrowed and either used or abused, and plenty more). Overall, very helpful and highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Translation, February 17, 2012

By 

Joey - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Categories and De Interpretatione (Clarendon Aristotle) (Paperback)

I got this copy used and it was just like new. My Ancient Greek/Language class studied The Categories and not only did this translation follow the Greek more closely than the others being used, but it was also clearer than the others. If you're going to study/read The Categories, just save yourself a lot of grief and go with this translation.