PLATO IN 90 MINUTES

What promises to be a brisk and entertaining foray into the life of the best-known classical philosopher fizzles into a historical drone. While the author labors to keep the subject matter palatable and entertaining, and Robert Whitfield is more than equal to the task, the text lacks what it takes to feed a thirsty ear. This is particularly true on Cassette Two, when we lose all sense of storytelling and find ourselves in a dark wood of fact reciting. It’s worth spending 90 minutes reading an actual book on Plato in this case, rather than depleting your Walkman batteries. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]