Lucian, Vol. 5 of 8 (Classic Reprint)

Peregrinus the Cynic comes to life in a sharp, lucid account that asks what truth really costs when fame rules the stage of history.

This edition presents Lucian’s dramatic portrait of Peregrinus Proteus, a figure whose life swings from Christian practice to Cynic philosophy and ends with a self-immolation at Olympia. The work frames the life and the controversial act, offering context, interpretation, and contrasts with other ancient voices who debated his motives. Readers will see how critics have read his zeal as either a thirst for truth or a craving for applause, and how the story connects to broader debates about authenticity in the second century.

• A clear, focused portrait of Peregrinus as depicted by Lucian, including the episode at Olympia.
• Discussion of competing ancient and modern views on his motives and behavior.
• Notes on the narrative’s editing and how the text has been prepared from multiple manuscripts.
• Context that links Peregrinus to other figures and themes in Greek thought and history.

Ideal for readers of classical biography, Lucian studies, and late antique philosophy who want a concise, well-contextualized introduction to this provocative figure.