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The Mask of Apollo

by Mary Renault

First published 1966

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4.4(376)

Nikeratos, an Athenian tragic actor, carries an old mask of Apollo as a professional talisman and moral guide. His career takes him through Greek theatres and brings him into contact with Plato and Dion, whose plans for Syracuse promise a rare alliance between philosophy and political power.

In Syracuse, Dionysius II proves unable to become Plato's philosopher-king, and court intrigue drives Dion into exile. Nikeratos witnesses Dion's return, the civil conflict and his assassination before later meeting the young Alexander, whose abilities suggest a different but unrealised possibility for Plato's political ideals.

Historical Periods

Rise of Macedon359–336 BCE Athenian Democracy508–322 BCE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction

Historical people

Alexander the Great357 BCE–324 BCE Philip II of Macedonc. 382–336 BCE Platoc. 420s BCE–c. 340s BCE Dion of Syracuse410 BCE–355 BCE Dionysius II of Syracuse398 BCE–344 BCE

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