Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (Focus Philosophical Library Series)

I have been researching Aristotle's Nicomachen Ethics for the past 6 years, and I own +10 different translations of the text into english, portuguese, german and spanish. I came across Sachs work only recently and I must say am I very surprised. 1 - The translation is clear and makes the reading fluent. 2 - The footnotes are very helpful and useful in pointing out the connections within different parts of the text as a whole, and with other works by Aristotle. 3 - In the same vein, his choices for translating the main concepts try to bring about the different connections with the other works by Aristotle, such as De Anima, Politics, Metaphysics and Physics. 4 - The introductory essay is very, very, good. (It is called "Three little words" and it is also available online elsewhere). The best thing I can say about this work (and about the work of any translator in general) is this: he really managed to bring the text to life.

I was taking an ethics class and bought this book from Amazon. I was thrilled it was offered.

Joe Sachs' translations of Aristotle and Plato are phenomenally good, but it was his translation of Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics that solidified my studies as a PhD student. Although I had read all of Aristotle's works (in translation) while in college, I had thought to focus on Plato for my dissertation, yet I could not summon the passionate interest for such a sustained project. It was Sachs' fresh translations which gave me another look at Aristotle and subsequently provided the catalyst to focus on the Metaphysics and On the Soul. This translation of the Ethics is exceptional. In particular it was his translation of the section on habit and virtue (as well as his excellent introduction) that helped me gain a more cohesive grasp of Aristotle's project (as well as to link together the Ethics with On the Soul). You can't go wrong with this book. I'm glad it is now out in a Kindle version, though I can't give up my well-worn, tediously noted and marked paperback copy.

Sachs does a fantastic job and the introductory essay and footnotes are just as wonderful as the translation. I nearly gave this a four-star but that was entirely based on my dislike for the physical book quality. I appreciate the text size and the margin room, but the binding is not my favorite and the book can't lay flat or remain open on a particular page. I do a lot of bending and stretching to tame it. 5/5 for the translation and maybe 2/5 for the book binding.

Very informative. Learned some new Greek words and a different way of thinking. All in all, worth it.

A great book but not for those who have little understanding of philosophy. I found with my limited understanding that the concepts, as presented, were often difficult to comprehend. This book is for those who are serious about Aristotle’s teachings. It must be studied not just read. I learned quite a bit from reading it and taking notes.

I really am enjoying this particular text. Joe makes it understandable to those of us who do not have an education in the classics but wish to know more of Aristotle thoughts and understand it in a way that makes sense. Notes which emphasize the particular Greek words Aristotle used to center his ideas on are invaluable.

The footnotes in this book are fantastic. The translation is extremely readable. Aristotle is a genius.