Plutarch
Plutarch (c. 46-120 AD) was a Greek biographer, essayist, and philosopher of the Roman era, best known for his Parallel Lives, a series of paired biographies of famous Greeks and Romans. His vivid, morally reflective portraits of the ancient world's greatest figures have influenced writers, thinkers, and leaders for two thousand years.
In the Lives, Plutarch pairs a Greek statesman or general with a Roman counterpart — Alexander with Julius Caesar, for example — exploring their characters, virtues, and flaws. He was less interested in a bare record of events than in what a life reveals about character and moral choice. His essays, collected as the Moralia, cover an enormous range of subjects.
Plutarch's Lives were a major source for Shakespeare's Roman plays and shaped ideas of heroism and leadership for centuries.
His writing is anecdotal and engaging. Our editions present it clearly for modern readers. Read a life free, and read or listen with a membership.
Plutarch in the library · 4 works
soon
soon
soon
soon
Frequently asked questions about Plutarch
What did Plutarch write?
Plutarch's most famous work is the Parallel Lives, a collection of biographies pairing eminent Greeks and Romans. He also wrote the Moralia, a large and varied collection of essays and dialogues on ethics, religion, politics, and everyday life. The Lives is his most widely read and influential work.
What are the Parallel Lives?
The Parallel Lives are biographies of famous ancient statesmen and soldiers, arranged in pairs — one Greek and one Roman — that Plutarch compares, such as Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar. He focused on character and moral lessons rather than exhaustive history, filling the Lives with revealing anecdotes. They are our richest source for many figures of the ancient world.
Where should I start with Plutarch?
Start with one of his most famous lives — Alexander, Julius Caesar, or Antony are gripping and self-contained. You don't need to read the Lives in order; each biography stands on its own. His engaging, anecdote-rich style makes individual lives very readable.
Why is Plutarch so influential?
Plutarch's vivid portraits shaped Western ideas of heroism, virtue, and leadership for centuries, and were read by everyone from Shakespeare — who drew his Roman plays directly from them — to the American founders. His focus on character and moral example made his Lives a school of leadership and ethics for generations. He remains one of the most quoted ancient authors.
Is Plutarch hard to read?
His storytelling is lively and full of memorable anecdotes, which makes him more approachable than many ancient authors. The main barriers are unfamiliar historical names and older translations. A clear modern edition makes his biographies engaging and easy to follow.
When did Plutarch live?
Plutarch lived from around 46 to 120 AD, a Greek writing under the Roman Empire. He served as a priest at Delphi and produced his Lives and essays in the later part of his life. His works have been continuously read and admired ever since.
Where can I read Plutarch for free?
Plutarch's works are in the public domain, and older translations are freely available. Many are written in dense, dated English. Here you can read a life free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
Be first to read Plutarch here
Plutarch's modern-English editions are being prepared now. Leave your email and we'll tell you the day they arrive.
Read Plutarch free
Every restored edition — eBook and audiobook — is included with membership. Cancel anytime, one click · 30-day money-back guarantee.
Become a member →