In Plutarch: On the Face which Appears in the Orb of the Moon, Luisa Lesage Gárriga offers a new critical edition with English translation of one of Plutarch's most fascinating treatises, and yet one of the least known to the wider public.

In Plutarch’s Moon Luisa Lesage Gárriga offers a new approach on Plutarch’s views on cosmos, the afterlife and salvation, focusing on one of his most fascinating treatises. Dealing with the nature and function of the moon from multiple perspectives, this treatise offers a comprehensive overview of scientific knowledge and religious-philosophical thought from the first centuries CE. Yet, up until now no single scholar has attempted an integral approach to its various and complementary perspectives, generally focusing on a specific aspect, as if they were unrelated. By means of this study, the author shows that De facie is a literary creation that reflects and conveys a coherent worldview, finally providing a solid and overarching understanding of the treatise.

This is a book for readers who are fascinated by the Moon and the earliest speculations about life on other worlds. It takes the reader on a journey from the earliest Greek poetry, philosophy and science, through Plutarch's mystical doctrines to the thrilling lunar adventures of Lucian of Samosata.