Seneca

Name: Seneca
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780718193508
Price: 34.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

A Life

By Emily Wilson

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3.92

( 435 ratings, 55 reviews)

Summary

Seneca by Emily Wilson delves into the life and philosophy of the influential Roman philosopher and statesman, Seneca. The book explores his intriguing role in the turbulent and transformative period of the Roman Empire, examining his philosophical writings alongside the historical context of his time. Wilson provides insight into Seneca's enduring impact on literature, thought, and political life.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Seneca

$34⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$37⁰⁰~~

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by ancient philosophy and the life of Seneca, a prominent Roman philosopher, playwright, and statesman. It offers a detailed exploration of his contributions to Stoicism, as well as his influence on Western thought, making it an insightful read for those interested in the intersections of history, philosophy, and military.

Seneca

Philosopher, dramatist, rhetorician, Stoic and pragmatist, Seneca was one of the most contradictory figures in ancient Rome, embracing a stern ascetic morality while amassing a fortune under Nero and eventually committing suicide. This definitive biography reveals a life lived perilously in the gap between ideals and reality.

Description

The definitive biography of ancient Rome's most powerful and colourful philosopher-politician.

Seneca traces the eventful life of Seneca, the Roman philosopher, dramatist, essayist and rhetorician of the first century CE. Coming from Spain to Rome, Seneca spent his youth in Egypt and was exiled to Corsica under Claudius, only to be recalled after eight years. He ascended to dizzying heights of wealth, power, and social influence under Nero, before ultimately falling from favour and being forced to end his own life.

This book analyses the relationship between Seneca's life story and his literary self-fashioning, highlighting the tensions between the external worlds of politics, consumerism, and social success, and the Stoic ideals of asceticism, virtue, and self-control.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Emily Wilson's biography of Seneca paints a vivid portrait of a philosopher entangled in the complexities and contradictions of ancient Rome. Through her insightful and well-researched narrative, Wilson explores Seneca's moral struggles and his contentious relationship with power, particularly under Nero. The book is praised for its depth, bringing to life Seneca’s philosophical endeavours alongside his ethical compromises, and highlighting his enduring literary impact.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780718193508

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 March 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 202g

Pages: 272

Collections

Biography & Memoir Emily Wilson European History History & Military Non-Fiction Penguin Books Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism Political Biographies

About the Author

Emily Wilson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classical Studies. She has a BA from Oxford in Classics, an MPhil, also from Oxford, in English Literature (1500-1660), and a PhD from Yale in Classics and Comparative Literature. She is the author of Mocked with Death- Tragic Overliving from Sophocles to Milton and The Death of Sophocles- Hero, Villain, Chatterbox, Saint.