by M. I. FlNLEY
Reader in Ancient Social and Economic History,
University of Cambridge
It is still commonly believed that Plato made two trips to Sicily in an attempt to convert the young tyrant Dionysius II into a philosopher-King. Mr. Finley re-examines the source of this belief -two public letters supposed to have been written by Plato him seJr-and questions its soundness In the light of Sicilian history and Plato's political theories.