Plato: The Republic - Penguin Classics Philosophy Book | Ancient Greek Philosophy, Political Theory & Ethics Study Guide for Students and Scholars

I use this book for my Intro Philosophy courses. The translation is quite readable, and Desmond Lee often provides footnotes when there is no exact translation for a crucial word, thus helping avoid confusion for the novice. Lee has also organized the book with chapters and sections based on content, making navigation much easier. Many translators do not bother to do this. While I have some issues with certain parts of his commentary (e.g., I think he follows Cross & Woozley too closely in Book I,) that is inevitable, and makes for intellectually healthy discussion. From a stylistic standpoint, Plato is a masterful writer, and Lee often conveys something of the grace and color of the original text. For the most part, Lee does not slant his translation for his own ideological agenda, but tries to let the work speak for itself.