The great philosopher s final writings on the real and the ideal §In Timaeus and Critias , Plato presents his ultimate view on the composition of the universe. Taking the form of dialogues among Socrates, Timaeus, Critias, and Hermocrates, these two works explore the origins of the universe, life, and humanity, and have remained a paradigm of science for two thousand years. Desmond Lee s translation preserves the lucidity of the original, and his appendix on Atlantis is an invaluable source of information on this perennial myth. Timaeus and Critias is an essential text for students of philosophy and classics as well as literature and mythology.