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Memento Mori

What the Romans Can Tell Us About Old Age and Death
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( 343 ratings, 62 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Peter Jones's Memento Mori delves into the philosophical and psychological dimensions of mortality and how the awareness of death can influence how we live our lives. The book presents a collection of insights from various thinkers throughout history, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the concept of death. Through engaging discussions, it encourages readers to contemplate their own existence and the way they prioritise their time and relationships.
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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 are intrigued by philosophical explorations of mortality and the human psyche. This thought-provoking work delves into existential questions, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of life and death. It offers a profound journey into psychological insights and philosophical musings, ideal for those seeking deep intellectual engagement.

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A revealing and entertaining guide to how the Romans confronted their own mortality and the problems of old age, from the author of Veni, Vidi, Vici.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this revealing and entertaining guide to how the Romans confronted their own mortality, Peter Jones shows us that all the problems associated with old age and death that so transfix us today were already dealt with by our ancient ancestors two thousand years ago.

Romans inhabited a world where man, knowing nothing about hygiene let alone disease, had no defences against nature. Death was everywhere. Half of all Roman children were dead by the age of five. Only eight per cent of the population made it over sixty. One bizarre result was that half the population consisted of teenagers.

From the elites' philosophical take on the brevity of life to the epitaphs left by butchers, bakers, and buffoons, Memento Mori (Remember you die) shows how the Romans faced up to this world and attempted to take the sting out of death.

Series: Classic Civilisations

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  • Memento Mori
    In this revealing and entertaining guide to how the Romans confronted their own mortality, Peter Jones shows us that all the problems associated with old age and death that so transfix us today were already dealt with by our ancient ancestors two thousand years ago. Romans inhabited a world where man, knowing nothing about hygiene let alone disease, had no...
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    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Quid Pro Quo
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  • Veni, Vidi, Vici
    The Romans left a long-lasting legacy and their influence can still be seen all around usβ€”from our calendar and coins, to our language and lawsβ€”but how much do we really know about them? Help is at hand in the form of Veni, Vidi, Vici, which tells the remarkable, and often surprising, story of the Romans and the most enduring empire...
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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?

Memento Mori by Peter Jones is praised for blending erudition with accessibility, offering an engaging and enlightening exploration of Roman perspectives on mortality. Reviewers appreciate its ability to entertain while educating, making ancient attitudes relevant and understandable to modern readers. It is noted for being both enjoyable and informative, offering a compelling glimpse into Roman life.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781786494825

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Peter Jones was educated at Cambridge University and taught Classics at Cambridge and at Newcastle University, before retiring in 1997. He has written a regular column, 'Ancient & Modern', in the Spectator for many years and is the author of various books on the Classics, including the bestselling Learn Latin and Learn Ancient Greek, as well as Reading Virgil's Aeneid I and II, Vote for Caesar, Veni, Vidi, Vici, Eureka! and Quid Pro Quo.

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