The Death of Socrates

One of two titles launching the Plato & Co. series, this picture book draws on the Apology as it follows the story of Socrates's trial and execution, introducing his ideas through his encounters would-be students and detractors. The stiff postures and three-quarter profiles of the characters in Le Bras's vibrant, full-color illustrations call to mind classical Greek pottery. Much of the book, until Socrates's sentencing, is true to the Platonic dialogues and accessible enough in the narrative. However, once the book tackles the weightier themes of the Dialogues, including the soul and the afterlife, the text and images gain more complexity; while still faithful to the original ideas ("In order to become wise, the soul must take leave of the body, and contemplate the reality of things on its own"), they will likely require explanation or discussion. It's difficult to place the ideal audience for the book, as the ideas and writing point to older readers, but the structure, format, and artwork skew younger. Simultaneously available: The Ghost of Karl Marx. Up to age 9. (Sept.)