The book begins by introducing Parmenides and his work in the context of Greek philosophy, the new medium of writing and Elea's position as a recently founded Greek colony. All aspects of Parmenides' poem are examined in the light of insights given by a variety of authors. This paves the way for a series of original insights made by the present author. This results in a new approach to Parmenides which emphasises the relevance of his philosophy for us today. Diagrams illustrate key points. At the end a loose and lively translation frees Parmenides' poem from the contexts in which it is so often stifled. Not herself a philosopher, Sappho's poems show that she did lead her life according to principles that imply some form of philosophy and her work stands as a shining example of a conception of truth that is integral to Parmenides but which is now long forgotten. After an introduction, Sappho and her conception of truth and beauty is articulated via a series of translations of the more extent surviving fragments.