The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius: A Study. Oxford Classical Monographs.

Aus der Bibliothek von Prof. Wolfgang Haase, langj�igem Herausgeber der ANRW und des International Journal of the Classical Tradition (IJCT) / From the library of Prof. Wolfgang Haase, long-time editor of ANRW and the International Journal of the Classical Tradition (IJCT). - Schutzumschlag berieben, Buchr�cken ausgeblichen, Bleistiftstriche auf Vorderschnitt, sonst sehr guter Zustand / dust jacket rubbed, spine faded, pencil marks on fore-edge, otherwise very good condition. - Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from AD 161 to 180, is renowned for his just rule at home and for his long frontier wars. But his lasting claim to fame rests on the work known as the Meditations�a bedside book of reflections and self-admonitions� composed in Greek (the language of philosophy) during his last years and partly while on campaign. These sparse notes, intended for the author�s eyes alone, give unique access to the mind of an ancient ruler; they also contain many passages of pungent epigram and poetic imagery. In this study, Dr Rutherford seeks to make the Meditations more approachable for the modem reader, by explaining the historical and philosophical background, charting the main themes and tendencies of Marcus� thought, and relating stylistic detail to the intellectual and moral outlook of the author. This book attempts to define Marcus� aims, attitudes, and styles more precisely, and to restore his work to the position it has held in the past, that of a spiritual classic which can be understood and valued by many who are not professional scholars or philosophers. / Contents Abbreviated Titles for Works of Reference Other Conventions Marcus Aurelius: A Biographical Note I. THE FORM AND FUNCTION OF THE MEDITATIONS i. Critical Orientation 2. Self-Discipline and Self-Address 3. Contributory Influences 4. What to Read and How to Write 5. Rhetorical Philosophy and Stoic Stylistics Appendix: Composition and Chronology II. THE FIRST BOOK: LITERARY AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND 1. Biography and Panegyric 2. Exempla and Ideals 3. The Stoics and the Empire 4. The Meditations and the Second Sophistic III. THE FIRST BOOK: AN ETHICAL SELF-PORTRAIT 1. Formal Aspects 2. Lessons in Virtue 3. Meditations i. 7 and Marcus� �Conversion� 4. The Emperor and his Predecessor 5. The World of the Meditations IV. ASPECTS OF STYLE AND THOUGHT 1. Theme and Variation 2. Formal Artistry: Some Examples 3. Philosophic Outspokenness 4. Imagery 5. Selected Themes and their Treatment (i) The View from Above (ii) Death and Oblivion 6. Stoicism in Practice: A Reading of two Longer Chapters (i) iii 4 (ii) ix. 29 V. MARCUS AURELIUS AND THE SUPERNATURAL I. The Philosopher�s Quest 2. Magic 3. Superstitiousness 4. Communications from the Gods 5. Dreams and Sickness 6. Prayer 7. Heavenly Powers 8. Apprehension of the Gods 9. Survival of the Good 10. Conclusion End-Note: Supplementary Evidence VI. LIFE AND DEATH IN THE RELIGION OF EPICTETUS AND MARCUS AURELIUS 1. Two Stoics Compared 2. Metaphors for the Life of Man 3. Death and Dissolution Envoi SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY A. Editions and Translations of the Meditations B. Commentaries on Other Relevant Authors C. Secondary and Scholarly Studies INDEXES Index of Passages of the Meditations Discussed Index of Subject-matter Index of Greek Words. ISBN 9780198148791