The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy [Paperback]

Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie (Compiler, Translator), David Fideler (Editor, Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1987

This anthology, the largest collection of Pythagorean writings ever to appear in English, contains the four ancient biographies of Pythagoras and over 25 Pythagorean and Neopythagorean writings from the Classical and Hellenistic periods. The material of this book is indispensable for anyone who wishes to understand the real spiritual roots of Western civilization.

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From the Publisher

the material of this book is indispensable for anyone who wishes to understand the real spiritual roots of Western civilization.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: Phanes Press; New edition edition (July 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933999518
• ISBN-13: 978-0933999510
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #225,106 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Pythagorean Canon, August 29, 2008

By 

Johannes Platonicus (South Bend, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy (Paperback)

This is an invaluable and comprehensive collection of writings connected with Pythagoras and the Pythagorean tradition. The Sourcebook contains important historical material, along with philosophical/theological treatises dealing with ethics, cosmology, natural philosophy, theosophy, numerology, geometry, music and logic, all of which are integral for our understanding of Pythagoras, who alludes us because he left nothing written behind. Of particular merit is the lengthy Life of Pythagoras by Iamblichus, which is rich in detail and covers Pythagoras' life, work and legacy, while simaltaneously conveying tales pertaining to events sacred, miraculous and mundane. Also included in the Life are scrupulous descriptions of Pythagorean doctrine and ritual practice and as an epilogue, Iamblichus furnishes us with a list of those philosophers who followed the Pythagorean succession. Another noteworthy historical work on Pythagoras is the great platonic scholar Porphyry's Life of Pythagoras, which is much shorter than Iamblichus' but much more critical and academic, asserting itself as a veritable piece of historiography. The work of chronologists Diogenes Laertius and Byzantine Ecclesiastic Photius also are presented here to complement the former. Next comes the superabundance of philosophical treatises as varied in authorship as they are in subject. Writings from eminent Pythagorean sages like Philolaus, Archytas and Aristoxenus, are included and are just a mere fragment of the total litany of treatises to sample from in this Pythagoric Library. The introductory essay and glossary, the charts and diagrams, coupled with the informative appendix, are also a great help and add further value to this edition. All in all, The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library is the ultimate readers guide and reference tool for the study of Pythagoras gathered into a single volume. This abundant collection of rare and indispensible works is offered at a give-away-price and should definitley be on the shelves of any classicist or philosopher. Another volume to pair with this would be Dillon's Neoplatonism: Introductory Readings, which is the best collection on NP works in one volume.

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Billed as complete, but is not, July 31, 2002

By 

Marina Michaels (Santa Rosa, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy (Paperback)

Although this book is excellent, it was billed as containing all existing fragments of ancient writings about Pythagoras, yet within the book itself, modern translations of ancient documents are mentioned that are not included. If something bills itself as complete, that is exactly what I expect. Nonetheless, I am glad I bought it, and would recommend it as one of the key works to own on Pythagoras.

42 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A required addition to the library of all philosophers, March 28, 2001

By 

Joseph J. Thiebes (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy (Paperback)

Pythagoras is arguably the father of western culture. Certainly his theories have had a profound effect on the development of mathematics, music, architecture, the visual arts, philosophy, qabalah, astrology, astronomy, and the list goes on. Much as today's fans of Plato refer to Aristotle as a mere shadow of the former great man, so too can fans of Pythagoras say the same of Plato. Pythagoras was the first man to call himself a philosopher -- a lover of wisdom.

This book contains translations of all of Pythagoras' extant work, as well as many short essays by his contemporaries and students. There are many diagrams and charts which serve to effectively clarify his ideas. Overall, this book is a must have for any who seek truth.