Book description
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have
transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have
inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened,
outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and
destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great
thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook
civilization, and helped make us who we are.
The Stoic writings of the philosopher Seneca offer powerful insights
into the art of living, the importance of reason and morality, and
continue to provide profound guidance to many through their eloquence,
lucidity and timeless wisdom.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, statesman, philosopher, advocate and man of
letters, was born in Spain around 4BC. He rose to prominence at Rome,
pursuing a double career in the courts and political life, until
Claudius sent him into exile exile on the island of Corsica for eight
years. Recalled in AD49, he was appointed tutor to the boy who was to
become, in AD54, the emperor Nero. Seneca acted for eight years as
Nero's unofficial chief minister until Nero too turned against him and
he retired from public life to devote himself to philosophy and
writing. In AD65, following the discovery of a plot against the
emperor, he and many others were compelled by Nero to commit suicide.
C. D.N. Costa has spent most of his working life at Birmingham
University, where he is Professor of Classics and Chairman of the
School of Antiquity. Among other works, he has written commentaries on
the works of Seneca, Letters, Dialogues and the tragedy Medea.
