Plutarchâs Life of Phocion has not been closely analysed since 1840. Lawrence Tritle's study first published in 1988 offers a new assessment of this significant and complex personality whilst illuminating the political climate in which he thrived. Though often thought to be of humble origin Phocion was educated in Platoâs Academy rose to prominence in the innermost circles of Athenian political life and was renowned as a soldier throughout the Greek world. Professor Tritle traces the origins and development of the historical tradition that so shaped an image of the Good Phocion so that his actual achievements as a politician and general were all but lost. He can thus now be seen in the context of fourth-century Athens: as a major political leader a worthy opponent of Philip of Macedon and a champion of a politics of justice rather than of the traditional politics of enmity. . Language: English