A Companion to Marcus Aurelius

Considered the last of the "Five Good Emperors," Marcus Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire from ad 161 until his death in 180 - yet his influence on philosophy continues to resonate in the modern age through his Meditations. A Companion to Marcus Aurelius presents the first comprehensive collection of essays to explore all essential facets relating to contemporary Marcus Aurelius studies. Featuring contributions from top international scholars in relevant fields, initial readings provide an overview of source material by addressing such topics as manuscript transmission, historical written sources, archaeological evidence, artifacts, and coins. Readings continue with state-of-the-art discussions of various aspects of Marcus Aurelius - his personal biography; political, cultural, and intellectual background; and aspects of his role as emperor, reformer of administration, military leader, and lawgiver. His Meditations are analyzed in detail, including the form of the book, his way of writing, and the various aspects of his philosophy. The final series of readings addresses evolving aspects of his reception. A Companion to Marcus Aurelius offers important new insights on a figure of late antiquity whose unique voice has withstood the centuries to influence contemporary life.

Author: Marcel Van Ackeren
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Published: 04/30/2012
Pages: 592
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.33lbs
Size: 9.80h x 6.90w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781405192859

About the Author

THE EDITOR

Marcel van Ackeren is Associated Professor/Senior Research Fellow in the Philosophy Department at the University of Cologne. He is the author of Das Wissen vom Guten. Bedeutung und Kontinuität des Tugendwissens in den Dialogen Platons (2003), Heraklit (2005), Understanding Ancient Philosophy (edited with Jörn Müller, 2006), The Political Identity of the West. Platonism in the Dialogue of Cultures (edited with Orrin F. Summerell, 2006), Die Philosophie Marc Aurels, 2 vols. (2011), and Meditations and Representations. Marcus Aurelius in Interdisciplinary Light (edited with Jan Opsomer, 2012).