A series of reflections strongly influenced by Epictetus which represent a Stoic outlook on life.

It offers a range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.|Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus, 121-180
was adopted by the emperor Antoninus Pius and succeeded him in 161, (as joint emperor with adoptive brother Lucius Verus)
He ruled alone from 169
He spent much of his reign in putting down variou rebellions, and was a persecutor of Christians
His fame rest, above all, on his Meditations, a series of reflections, strongly influenced by Epictetus, which represent a Stoic outlook on life
He died in 180 and was succeed by his natural son, thus ending the period of the adoptive emperors.Diskin Clay is Professor of Classical Studies at Duke University and has published widely in the area of Ancient Greek Philosophy.Martin Hammond is Head Master of Tonbridge School and has translated Homer's Iliad for Penguin Classics.|Martin Hammond's translation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, like his Iliad and Odyssey, is the work of an unusually gifted translator, and one who understands the value added by careful attention to supplementary material
He writes natural English, direct and often eloquent; the text is well supported by effective notes and a characteristically thorough and well-planned index; Diskin Clay supplies a useful introduction
This is a fine volume|Marcus is well served by this new translation
Hammond has a pithy turn of phrase to match the emperor's own
His notes abound in helpful explanation and illuminating cross-reference
Diskin Clay contributes a sparkling and sympathetic introduction
The combination of introduction, translation and notes is as good as they get|'Their icy blasts are refreshing and restorative
They tell you the worst
And having heard the worst, you feel less bad' Blake MorrisonWritten in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe
While the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation and encouragement, Marcus Aurelius also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries.Translated with notes by MARTIN HAMMOND with an Introduction by DISKIN CLAY

A series of reflections strongly influenced by Epictetus which represent a Stoic outlook on life. It offers a range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.

Marcus Aurelius