Del i serien Great Lives of the Ancient World

Marcus Aurelius

Philosopher-King

Inbunden, Engelska, 2025

249 kr

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This book guides us through the fascinating life and writings of Marcus Aurelius, the only Roman emperor celebrated for centuries for his decency and earnest Stoic philosophy. Philosopher William O. Stephens explores Marcus’ reluctant rise to power, his marriage and his efforts to mould his son into a successor. He examines Marcus’ Stoic tenets as he describes the struggles of dealing with a fifteen-year pandemic, the betrayal of a trusted general, social upheaval centred on a new ‘superstition’ – Christianity – and how Marcus’ determination to stabilize the empire’s borders met with strife, broken treaties and protracted wars. This gripping narrative of Marcus’ life, times and thought, as well as his complex legacy, will appeal to all those interested in Roman history as well as to aspiring Stoics.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2025-10-13
Mått138 x 216 x 27 mm
Vikt420 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
SerieGreat Lives of the Ancient World
Antal sidor232
FörlagReaktion Books
ISBN9781836391166

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"The go-to biography going forward . . . Stephens’ achievement is outstanding. All students of Stoicism, or of Roman imperial history, and the readers, by now in their hundreds of thousands, who find the life and work of Marcus Aurelius to be an inspiration, are very much in his debt." - Stoicism Today"Stephens writes with vigor and verve, and he refrains from flaunting the expertise he clearly possesses. It’s to his credit that in this book he faces head-on the controversies surrounding Marcus’ reign." - The Wall Street Journal"A scholarly but very readable description of Marcus’s life and times." - Richard Murgatroyd, Morning Star"A useful primer for anyone interested in Marcus’s thought and the tumultuous events that defined his reign . . . Stephens is particularly insightful [on] Christian persecution, which he contextualizes within the broader clash between Roman and Christian moralities." - The New Criterion"A model of thoughtfulness, focus, and clarity, this biography of Marcus Aurelius illuminates both the man and his philosophy. It places his life in historical context while offering a lucid window into Stoic thought." - David Fideler, author of Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living"This is a rich and well-balanced account of the life and times of one of the most fascinating figures of ancient Rome. Stephens presents Marcus Aurelius in all his human imperfection as he navigates the challenges of war, plague, insurrection, bereavement, and social unrest. A fascinating read for anyone interested in Roman history or Stoic philosophy." - John Sellars, Reader in the History of Philosophy, Royal Holloway, University of London, and editor of The Cambridge Companion to Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations"Drawing on his expertise as a scholar of Stoic philosophy, William O. Stephens has written a splendid assessment of Marcus Aurelius’ predicaments and achievements. I cannot imagine a more timely and sympathetic account of the Stoic emperor’s humanity." - A. A. Long, author of Hellenistic Philosophy and Stoic Studies