George Long Libri

Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature. In this personal, practical guide to the ethics of stoicism and moral self-improvement, Epictetus tackles questions of freedom and imprisonment, illness and fear, family, friendship and love, and leaves an intriguing document of daily life in the classical world.

Quando Leopardi informò l’editore Stella di Milano, il 9 dicembre 1825, di aver completato la traduzione in volgare del Manuale di Epitteto, l’opera era già ben nota e apprezzata tra i dotti. Era stata oggetto di significativi studi filologici, soprattutto in Inghilterra e Germania, e tradotta diverse volte in Italia da autori come Salvini, Pagnini, Giovio e Lapi. Leopardi non “scoprì” né “rivalutò” il Manuale, ma riuscì a rendere l’arduo greco dell’originale in una forma fluida e accessibile, che ancora oggi si legge con facilità. Inoltre, conferì all’opera una nuova rilevanza, in sintonia con il suo progetto filosofico, ben rappresentato nelle Operette morali. Redatto in un breve periodo con grande dedizione, questo “lavoruccio” era particolarmente caro a Leopardi, sia per il suo contenuto morale e filosofico, sia per la sua riuscita stilistica. Tuttavia, il poeta non ebbe mai la soddisfazione di vederlo pubblicato: la prima edizione, curata da Antonio Ranieri, apparve solo nel 1854, otto anni dopo la sua morte.

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Our life is what our thoughts make it The extraordinary writings of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180), the only Roman emperor to have also been a stoic philosopher, have for centuries been praised for their wisdom, insight and guidance by leaders and great thinkers alike. Never intended for publication, Meditations are the personal notes born from a man who studied his unique position of power as emperor while trying to uphold inner balance in the chaotic world around him. Boldly challenging many of our biggest questions, Aurelius wrestles with the divided self, considering the complexities of human nature, rationality and moral virtue, affirming its place as one of the most timeless, significant works of philosophy to date.

Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans, commonly called Parallel Lives or Plutarch's Lives, is a series of biographies of famous men, arranged in tandem to illuminate their common moral virtues or failings. The surviving Parallel Lives, contain twenty-three pairs of biographies, each pair consisting of one Greek and one Roman, as well as four unpaired, single lives. It is a work of considerable importance, not only as a source of information about the individuals biographized, but also about the times in which they lived.

The hardcover edition of Meditations presents the profound insights and philosophical spirit of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, skillfully translated by George Long. This work delves into themes of stoicism, self-reflection, and the human condition, offering timeless wisdom that remains relevant today. The translation captures the essence of Aurelius's thoughts, inviting readers to explore his meditative reflections on life, virtue, and resilience.

The edition of Meditations highlights the profound philosophy and introspective spirit of Marcus Aurelius, offering readers a deep insight into the thoughts of the Roman Emperor. Translated by George Long, this version captures the essence of Aurelius's reflections on life, virtue, and the human experience, making it accessible for contemporary audiences.

This volume presents a faithful reprint of the original 1891 edition of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus's reflections. It offers insights into the Stoic philosophy of the Roman Emperor, emphasizing themes such as self-discipline, virtue, and the nature of the human experience. Readers can explore Aurelius's personal thoughts, which remain relevant and thought-provoking, providing guidance on how to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and resilience.