I was disappointed by this book. The analysis of the book as a whole was Plato-lite and the injection of the author's political bias was jejune and unbecoming an academic of his caliber. If you must read it, wait for your local library to get a copy.

lots of name dropping and quoting others' opinions of republic--i wanted more from the author himself and more from the republic--more direct analysis by the author. he admits several times that he does not like plato and seems to think himself above the subject matter. it is good to hear from a doubting thomas, but i think he enjoyed complaining about the republic and plato more than providing a critique.