Marcus Aurelius

Philosopher-King

AvWilliam O. Stephens

Inbunden, Engelska, 2025

Del i serien Great Lives of the Ancient World

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Beskrivning

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

Utgivningsdatum:2025-10-13
Mått:138 x 216 x 27 mm
Vikt:420 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Serie:Great Lives of the Ancient World
Antal sidor:232
Förlag:Reaktion Books
ISBN:9781836391166

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Mer om författaren

William O. Stephens is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University. His books include Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics (with Scott Aikin, 2023) and Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed (2012).

Recensioner i media

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 TodayStephens 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 JournalA scholarly but very readable description of Marcus’s life and times. - Richard Murgatroyd, Morning StarA 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 CriterionA 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 LivingThis 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’ MeditationsDrawing 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