<DIV><p>Parmenides was a philosopher, healer, and spiritual guide in fifth-century BC Elea, a Greek outpost on the western coast of Italy. Around 450 BC he and a young Socrates engaged in a debate on the nature of reality, later immortalized by Plato in <I>The Parmenides</I>, the dialogue that re-created that meeting. Richard Geldard&rsquo;s inspiring account brings new life and contemporary understanding to Parmenides, allowing us to understand his thought and benefit from his wisdom.</p><p> <b>Richard Geldard</b> earned his PhD in dramatic literature and classics at Stanford University. He is the author of <I>Remembering Heraclitus</I> and <I>The Traveler's Key to Ancient Greece</I>.</p></DIV>