Prosopography, explains Nails (philosophy, Michigan State U.), is an account of individuals in their relations to one another and to the major events of their times, the barebones on which biography and history could be fleshed. It is the framework within which she offers a concise guide to the people represented in the Platonic dialogues. She focuses on the familial and social environment of Socrates and the young Plato, but also includes people from the Socratica of Xenophon, Aeschines, Antisthenes, and Phaedo, and people associated with Plato's maturity. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)