Lucian: A True Story

Among those who have taught Europe for centuries to laugh and ridicule, to imagine and doubt, Lucian of Samosata (c. 120 - after 180) is in the forefront. Who knows whether Thomas More would have written Utopia, and Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels, if Lucian's True History had not inspired them at one time. Antiquity left almost no mention of this author's life (except for scanty and not at all reliable autobiographical evidence), but it has wonderfully preserved his stories and dialogues, behind which are a sharp mind, amazing erudition, a lively and tireless imagination, fueled by a cynical impulse. In addition to the True History, perhaps Lucian's most famous work, the publication includes dialogues that significantly complement the writer's portrait - The Twice Accused and The Freeloader.