Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics - (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The most precise and authoritative translation of one of the founding works of Western culture, in an edition supported by helpful, effective notes

The Nicomachean Ethics is one of Aristotle's most widely read and influential works. Ideas central to ethics--that happiness is the end of human endeavor, that moral virtue is formed through action and habituation, and that good action requires prudence--found their most powerful proponent in the person medieval scholars simply called "the Philosopher." Drawing on their intimate knowledge of Aristotle's thought, Robert C. Bartlett and Susan D. Collins have produced here an English-language translation of the Ethics that is as remarkably faithful to the original as it is graceful in its rendering.

Aristotle is well known for the precision with which he chooses his words, and in this elegant translation his work has found its ideal match. Bartlett and Collins provide copious notes and a glossary providing context and further explanation for students, as well as an introduction and a substantial interpretive essay that sketch central arguments of the work and the seminal place of Aristotle's Ethics in his political philosophy as a whole.

The Nicomachean Ethics has engaged the serious interest of readers across centuries and civilizations--of peoples ancient, medieval, and modern; pagan, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish--and this new edition will take its place as the standard English-language translation.

Review Quotes

"[This volume] is much more than a translation. The translators, Robert C. Bartlett, who teaches Hellenic politics at Boston College, and Susan D. Collins, a political scientist at the University of Houston, have provided helpful aids. . . . [They have] supplied an informative introduction, as well as 'A Note on the Translation, ' a bibliography and an outline of the work. All this precedes the main text. Afterward comes a brief 'Overview of the Moral Virtues and Vices, ' a very extensive and invaluable glossary, a list of 'Key Greek Terms, ' an index of proper names and at last a detailed 'general index.' Together these bring the original text within the compass of every intelligent reader."--"New York Times Book Review"



--Harry V. Jaffa "New York Times Book Review "

"Bartlett and Collins's translation of the "Nicomachean Ethics" is the best in English that I have read. It nicely couples a consistent faithfulness to Aristotle's Greek with a high degree of readability. This will be a real service to scholars and students."--Gerald M. Mara, Georgetown University
--Gerald M. Mara, Georgetown University

"Barlett and Collins's translation of the "Nicomachean Ethics" is the best in English that I have read. It nicely couples a consistent faithfulness to Aristotle's Greek with a high degree of readability. This will be a real service to scholars and students."--Gerald M. Mara, Georgetown University

--Gerald M. Mara, Georgetown University

"There are several good editions of the "Nicomachean Ethics" currently available, but the Bartlett and Collins version is superior in several decisive respects--philological, philosophical, and pedagogical. The translation itself is consistently faithful to the text without lapsing into obscurity or awkwardness, with lots of helpful discussion (in just the right number of notes conveniently placed at the bottom of the page) of alternative possibilities at key points. Best of all, the thoughtful and well-crafted surrounding material--notes, glossary, introduction, and interpretive essay--supplies a marvelous guide to Aristotle's unique way of presenting the central questions of ethics and politics. This is the version I will use when next I teach the "Nicomachean Ethics"."--Stephen G. Salkever, Bryn Mawr College

--Stephen G. Salkever, Bryn Mawr College

"This is the only English translation of the "Ethics" for those who want or need to know precisely, not just roughly, what Aristotle says. Readers now can behold the splendor of his conception of moral virtue and engage with its subtleties as well. The translation is accompanied by excellent notes, an interpretive essay, indices, and a highly useful glossary."--Harvey C. Mansfield, Harvard University
--Harvey C. Mansfield, Harvard University

"This translation will easily be the best available English version of the "Nicomachean Ethics"."--Michael Davis, Sarah Lawrence College

--Michael Davis, Sarah Lawrence College

About the Author

Robert C. Bartlett is the Behrakis Professor in Hellenic Political Studies at Boston College. Susan D. Collins is associate professor of political science, with a joint appointment in The Honors College, at the University of Houston.