The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy

Rating:
Summary: Billed as complete, but is not
Review: Although this book is excellent, it was billed as containing all existing fragments of ancient writings about Pythagoras, yet within the book itself, modern translations of ancient documents are mentioned that are not included. If something bills itself as complete, that is exactly what I expect. Nonetheless, I am glad I bought it, and would recommend it as one of the key works to own on Pythagoras.

Rating:
Summary: A required addition to the library of all philosophers
Review: Pythagoras is arguably the father of western culture. Certainly his theories have had a profound effect on the development of mathematics, music, architecture, the visual arts, philosophy, qabalah, astrology, astronomy, and the list goes on. Much as today's fans of Plato refer to Aristotle as a mere shadow of the former great man, so too can fans of Pythagoras say the same of Plato. Pythagoras was the first man to call himself a philosopher -- a lover of wisdom.

This book contains translations of all of Pythagoras' extant work, as well as many short essays by his contemporaries and students. There are many diagrams and charts which serve to effectively clarify his ideas. Overall, this book is a must have for any who seek truth.

Rating:
Summary: Easy Selection To Make
Review: This book contains translations of all material attributed to Pythagorus and extant works about him and his school--such as Laertius Diogenes. It is the only book you will need about this interesting man.

Rating:
Summary: Legumophobia
Review: This is a pretty good book for starter material on Pythagoras and his disciples, though it is true that it does not contain every extant text. As far as I can tell, the texts it doesn't contain are in the bibliography. From reading the book, I've learned that Pythagoras was a most fanatical and overzealous ascetic, who apparently was not only a vegetarian but had some kind of grudge against beans. The explanation for his hatred towards the maligned legumes seemed to be rather disjointed and obscure. I can only come to the conclusion that anyone who is this much of an extremist must have been something of a madman, and that his followers must also be mad - and yet it appears he and they possessed many admirable qualities as well, and did the world a great service by preserving some very important information from other mystery schools.