Plotinus Ennead V.8: On Intelligible Beauty: Translation with an Introduction and Commentary

“Smith's excellent translation is accompanied by an insightful introduction and commentary that illuminates this treatise's important elucidation of the universal and cosmic dimension of beauty and its wide-ranging deployment of mythical imagery. Highly recommended for all students of Plotinus' theories of love, beauty, and the arts.”
—John Bussanich, Professor of Philosophy, University of New Mexico  

“As Smith rightfully points out in this brilliant and insightful new commentary on Ennead V.8, the treatise should not only be read as part of the anti-Gnostic Großschrift 30-33, but be acknowledged for its independent development of an original idealist theory of beauty.”
—Prof. Dr. Christoph Horn, Universität Bonn, Institut für Philosophie

“Ennead V.8 is the second part of a long treatise divided into four sections, the other three parts being III.8, V.5, and II.9, the last two of which are already available in this series. Smith’s translation of V.8 is lucid and the commentary learned. For the Plotinian initiate the intelligible world is clearly explained and set firmly in its philosophical context and background. As our guide on the path to and inside Intellect Smith is sure-footed—his immense learning evident on every page.”
—Kieran McGroarty, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ancient Classics, Maynooth University

“Smith does a (pun-intended) beautiful job of introducing treatise V.8 On Intelligible Beauty, as well as on the fresh translation, and informative commentary and synopses. Anyone interested in the work of Plotinus, Plato, and even art or beauty in general should read this book; doing so will produce intellectual dividends.”
—David J. Yount, Professor of Philosophy, Mesa Community College