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Seneca
A Life
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Seneca
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See morePhilosopher, dramatist, rhetorician, Stoic and pragmatist, Seneca was one of the most contradictory figures in ancient Rome, embracing a stern ascetic morality while amassing a fortune under Nero and eventually committing suicide. This definitive biography reveals a life lived perilously in the gap between ideals and reality.
Philosopher, dramatist, rhetorician, Stoic and pragmatist, Seneca was one of the most contradictory figures in ancient Rome, embracing a stern ascetic morality while amassing a fortune under Nero and eventually committing suicide. This definitive biography reveals a life lived perilously in the gap between ideals and reality.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
The definitive biography of ancient Rome's most powerful and colourful philosopher-politician.
Seneca traces the eventful life of Seneca, the Roman philosopher, dramatist, essayist and rhetorician of the first century CE. Coming from Spain to Rome, Seneca spent his youth in Egypt and was exiled to Corsica under Claudius, only to be recalled after eight years. He ascended to dizzying heights of wealth, power, and social influence under Nero, before ultimately falling from favour and being forced to end his own life.
This book analyses the relationship between Seneca's life story and his literary self-fashioning, highlighting the tensions between the external worlds of politics, consumerism, and social success, and the Stoic ideals of asceticism, virtue, and self-control.
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?
Emily Wilson's biography of Seneca paints a vivid portrait of a philosopher entangled in the complexities and contradictions of ancient Rome. Through her insightful and well-researched narrative, Wilson explores Seneca's moral struggles and his contentious relationship with power, particularly under Nero. The book is praised for its depth, bringing to life Seneca’s philosophical endeavours alongside his ethical compromises, and highlighting his enduring literary impact.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780718193508
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 March 2016
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 15.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 202g
Pages: 272
About the Author
Emily Wilson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classical Studies. She has a BA from Oxford in Classics, an MPhil, also from Oxford, in English Literature (1500-1660), and a PhD from Yale in Classics and Comparative Literature. She is the author of Mocked with Death- Tragic Overliving from Sophocles to Milton and The Death of Sophocles- Hero, Villain, Chatterbox, Saint.
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