Plutarch’s Lives is one of the most influential works of classical literature, shaping how generations have understood leadership, character, and moral responsibility.

Written in the early second century AD by Plutarch, these paired biographies examine the lives of eminent Greeks and Romans not merely as historical figures, but as moral examples. Rather than writing conventional history, Plutarch focuses on character, how virtues and flaws shape decisions, fortunes, and legacies. By placing Greek and Roman lives side by side, he invites readers to compare courage, ambition, restraint, and judgment across cultures and circumstances.

This first volume of the classic English translation by Aubrey Stewart and George Long introduces readers to Plutarch’s method and moral purpose. Presented with notes and a biographical introduction to Plutarch himself, it offers an essential starting point for readers interested in ancient history, biography, and practical moral reflection.