The Being of the Beautiful collects Plato&;s three dialogues, the Theaetetus, Sophist, and Statesmen, in which Socrates formulates his conception of philosophy while preparing for trial. Renowned classicist Seth Benardete&;s careful translations clearly illuminate the dramatic and philosophical unity of these dialogues and highlight Plato&;s subtle interplay of language and structure. Extensive notes and commentaries, furthermore, underscore the trilogy&;s motifs and relationships. &;The translations are masterpieces of literalness. . . . They are honest, accurate, and give the reader a wonderful sense of the Greek.&;&;Drew A. Hyland, Review of Metaphysics