This book is a clear and concise introduction to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. His one major surviving work, often titled »meditations » but literally translated simply as »to himself », is a series of short, sometimes enigmatic reflections divided seemingly arbitrarily into twelve books and apparently written only to be read by him. For these reasons Marcus is a particularly difficult thinker to understand. His musings, framed as »notes to self » or »memoranda », are the exhortations of an earnest, conscientious Stoic burdened with the onerous responsibilities of ruling an entire, enormous empire.
William O. Stephens lucidly sketches Marcus Aurelius » upbringing, family relations, rise to the throne, military campaigns, and legacy, situating his philosophy amidst his life and times, explicating the factors shaping Marcus » philosophy, and clarifying key themes in the
Memoranda. Specifically designed to meet the needs of students seeking a thorough understanding of this key figure and his major work,
Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed is the ideal guide for understanding this Stoic author – the only philosopher who was also an emperor.
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