The philosophy of Plato embraces much more than metaphysics; his primary concern was with the question of how man should conduct himself as he ought, and metaphysics was studied for the sake of this. Yet for most readers 'Plato' suggests the Theory of Ideas, probably disguised behind some such popular concept as 'platonic' love. Mr Raven sets out to explain, to the ordinary reader, how this central theory grew in Plato's mind and out of his experience, and what were its eventual implications. He has a gift for the clear exposition of concepts that are by no means easy. This 1965 book is intended primarily for the serious student of philosophy (who needs no Greek to read it) and will also appeal to anyone interested in human thought and its development.