Book Review: Plato and the Tyrant by James Romm (2025)
Synopsis: Known as one of history's most influential philosophers, Plato's writings have been a cornerstone of Western governments and culture, including his Republic, which had an influence on the United States' government. This non-fiction book explores Plato's relationship with two Syracuse monarchs, both named Dionysius, and how that relationship (and imprisonment) shaped his best-known work while also help bring down the monarchy.
Review: When I came across Plato and the Tyrant at my library, I was intrigued. I knew of the philosopher and his influence on modern literature and governments but didn't know a whole lot about the relationship that helped influence his influential masterpiece. After reading the book, I was not disappointed.
I think the thing that caught my attention most was the father/son duo of Dionysius the Elder and Dionysius the Younger and how that dynasty came into power as a monarchy when the rest of Ancient Greece was practicing some form of democracy. The biggest surprise for me was how, as the book described, Syracuse went from being a monarchy to a democracy and then back to a monarchy and the way it was accomplished.
I don't know if this was intentional but there were also passages in the book that reminded me a lot of certain politicians today (I won't name names), especially with not being content just being a dictator and wanting to be known as poets and playwrights as well, even though the efforts made them look bad in the process. The way the monarchy quickly crumbled because of Plato was also interesting because it, among other things, showed one of the dangers of that system of government, especially if a ruler is viewed as being weaker than their predecessors.
The mystery surrounding the extent of Plato's relationship with Dionysius the Younger's uncle, Dion, added something extra to the story. Was it just a friendship? Was it romantic? Either way, it was a catalyst for a family rift that resulted in an unintended (or was it intentional?) outcome that impacted everyone involved.
Final Opinion: It's an educational book that uses Plato's own writings and the writings of others to tell the tale of a relationship that ultimately impacted society today while also teaching a lesson about the dangers of tyranny.
My Grade: A
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Here are some reviews of other books about world history:
Book Review: Embers of the Hands by Eleanor Barraclough (2024)
Book Review: The Knight by Alan Baker (2003)
Book Review: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel by Douglas Brunt (2023)
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