Aristotle's Metaphysics

Excellent publication of the Metaphysics. If you’re think about buying, then take my word for it, and splurge on the hardcover. It’s an extremely well made cloth-bound that would be an ornament for anyone’s bookshelf. Besides the actual translation of the full Metaphysics, a hefty but not overwhelming introduction written by the knowledgeable translator is included. Plus an English AND Greek glossary. And of course, bibliography and index. Furthermore, the print is well laid out and very easy on the eyes. Seriously, I own several different kinds of books covering various topics ( i.e. mathematics, theology, philosophy, history, philosophy, chess and comic strips) and yet this is easily one of the most beautiful hardcover books on my shelves. I have already purchased another copy for my friend. Highly recommended.

Good translation of a difficult text

Great book! It helps to get pass those common misunderstandings of metaphysics such as what the soul is and what it does. Recommend to everyone. Just make sure to read Ethics first.

This is a book of Theology. Aristotle names it so and treats the subject as objectively as is humanly possible. Don't read it in a vacuum, though. Familiarize yourself with Aristotle's particular flavor and rhythm of thought, preferably with this translator.

I bet this was a good book! Porch pirate stole it before I could see it.

It was a good idea to translate directly from the Greek. The clarity of this translation makes Aristotle highly accessible.

First I will discuss the positives of Mr. Sachs's translation. The question of whether someone should or should not read the Metaphysics is self-evident. The edition is aesthetically fabulous. Green Lion Press always crafts superlative texts (cf. their editions of Euclid and Apollonius) and the Metaphysics is no exception. Margins are generous, the cover is sturdy, and the pages are both sewn and glued. If one takes even the smallest care with it, the book will last many years. The translation is likewise competitive with every other essentially literal translation available, though not their superior. Sachs replaces Latinate cognates such as "substance", "actuality", and "potentiality" with terms like "thinghood", "being-at-work-staying-itself", and "potency". Make use of his glossary and your lexicon to figure out "ousia", "energeia", and "dunamis". After this work to make sense of Aristotle's technical terms, this translation will serve you well. The downside to Mr. Sachs' translation is this: it is not really superior to any other essentially literal translation available: Hippocrates Apostle's and W.D. Ross' translations serve admirably. I do not share Mr. Sachs' contention that the Latin translations of Aristotle have obscured his meaning; rather, I contend Aristotle's work contains difficult technical vocabulary, and how one translates this vocabulary can never be "immediately comprehended" as Mr. Sachs asserts. One must struggle, then, directly with "substance" or "thinghood"; indirectly, with "ousia".

I need this book for my Ancient Philosophy Class. It is in very good shape when I got it.