The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes
Quick Summary
The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romanes is an English translation by Sir Thomas North of Plutarch's Parallel Lives. Published in 1579, it is considered a masterpiece of early English prose.21
Plutarch's Parallel Lives consists of biographies of famous Greek and Roman figures, presented in pairs to highlight similarities in their characters or careers. The work aimed to foster mutual respect between Greeks and Romans and provide moral examples. North's translation was highly influential, serving as the source for several of William Shakespeare's Roman plays, including Antony and Cleopatra and Julius Caesar.312
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Jacques Amyot…translated into English by Sir Thomas North (1579); this rendition was the source for William Shakespeare’s Roman plays.
Read More…translated into English by Sir Thomas North (1579); this rendition was the source for William Shakespeare’s Roman plays.
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PlutarchReputation and influence of Plutarch…vigorous idiomatic style made his Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans an English classic, and it remained the standard translation for more than a century. Even when superseded by more-accurate translations, it continued to be read as an example of Elizabethan prose style. North’s translation of Plutarch was William…
Read More…vigorous idiomatic style made his Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans an English classic, and it remained the standard translation for more than a century. Even when superseded by more-accurate translations, it continued to be read as an example of Elizabethan prose style. North’s translation of Plutarch was William…
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