Dialogues and essays, paperback/seneca

Alain de Bottons bestselling The Consolations of Philosophy--later made into a six-part TV series--has helped popularize ancient philosophy and especially the work of Seneca.

This superb volume offers the finest translation of Senecas dialogues and essays in print, capturing the full range of his philosophical interests.

Here the Stoic philosopher outlines his thoughts on how to live in a troubled world.

Tutor to the young emperor Nero, Seneca wrote exercises in practical philosophy that draw upon contemporary Roman life and illuminate the intellectual concerns of the day.

They also have much to say to the modern reader, as Seneca ranges widely across subjects such as the shortness of life, tranquility of mind, anger, mercy, happiness, and grief at the loss of a loved one.

Senecas accessible, aphoristic style makes his writing especially attractive as an introduction to Stoic philosophy, and belies its reputation for austerity and dogmatism.

This edition combines a clear and modern translation by John Davies with Tobias Reinhardts fascinating introduction to Senecas career, literary style, and influence, including a superb summary of Stoic philosophy and Senecas interpretation of it.

The books notes are the fullest of any comparable edition.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford Worlds Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe.

Each affordable volume reflects Oxfords commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.