TC Brickhouse & ND Smith: The Trial and Execution of Socrates – Sources & Controversies

A review of The Trial and Execution of Socrates: Sources and Controversies by Thomas C Brickhouse and Nicholas D Smith, originally published in the JACT Review.
This is a useful addition to the books on Socrates’ trial and death, including new translations of the major sources (including the Euthyphro, Apology & Crito, together with the death scene from the Phaedo), including some of the lesser known authors in Chapters 4, 5 & 6 (Diogenes Laertius, Libanius & others), which students will find helpful – though the authors cannot overcome the lack of contemporary material, especially from those hostile to Socrates.
The first chapter (13pp) is a succinct introduction to the issues considered most important at the moment, with cross-references to some of the vast Socratic literature, and particularly to the selection of recent scholarship which forms Part II of this book. Most of the material is already available (there is an essay by Enid Bloch (Hemlock Poisoning and the death of Socrates: Did Plato Tell The Truth) which is published for the first time) but is usefully collected together in three sections: on the reasons for the prosecution of Socrates, Socrates & obedience to the law, and, finally, Plato & the truth about Socrates’ death.
The book is aimed squarely at undergraduates studying Socrates, whether from a historical or philosophical perspective, though it will be of use to anyone looking at the issues surrounding the trial of Socrates, and can be recommended to support A level study, particularly for the helpful gathering of a variety of sources more often referred to dismissively in footnotes than given in full. Part II is more problematic for less advanced students, though most Greek references are either in translation or translated; the occasional misprint should have been corrected.
This is a worthwhile addition to the library, providing access to some less well-known material in a convenient form, and with suitable guidance can be used effectively by able students. It is a pity that a general index has not been added, which would have eased use for both student and teacher.