This author specializes in ancient Greek philosophy, offering readers deep insights into the minds of classical thinkers. Their work is characterized by precise translation and a keen analytical approach. Through their literary output, they bring classical philosophy to life, making its timeless ideas accessible to a modern audience. Readers will appreciate their ability to connect historical context with contemporary relevance.
This abridged edition of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations offers a refined selection of his timeless philosophical insights, translated by a renowned expert. Readers can expect to engage with the profound reflections of the Roman Emperor on virtue, resilience, and the nature of the human experience. The edition captures the essence of Aurelius's thoughts, making them accessible for contemporary audiences while preserving the depth and wisdom of the original text.
This book, the first ever biography of the father of philosophy, tracks
Plato's life from his childhood in war-torn Athens at the end of the fifth
century BCE to his founding of the Academy, adventures in Sicily, death, and
immense legacy. Throughout, it sheds light on Plato's many timeless works of
philosophy.
Zu seinen Lebzeiten und danach galt Platon, einer der bedeutendsten Philosophen aller Zeiten, als nahezu göttliche Figur. Dies führte dazu, dass viele Legenden über ihn erfunden wurden – sowohl von denen, die ihn anbeteten, als auch von seinen Gegnern. In diesem umfassenden Porträt steuert Robin Waterfield einen vernünftigen Kurs zwischen diesen Geschichten, entlarvt einige als Märchen, während er den Kern der Wahrheit in anderen akzeptiert. Platon wurde Ende des fünften Jahrhunderts v. Chr. in einer wohlhabenden Familie im kriegsgeplagten Athen geboren. Als Teenager schärfte er seinen Intellekt, indem er die Vorlesungen der vielen Denker besuchte, die durch Athen reisten. Schließlich beschloss er, in die Politik zu gehen, wurde aber desillusioniert, insbesondere nachdem die Athener seinen Lehrer Sokrates zum Tode verurteilt hatten. Stattdessen wandte sich Platon dem Schreiben und Lehren zu. Später gründete er die Akademie, die erste Forschungs- und Lehreinrichtung für höhere Bildung in der Welt. Der renommierte Klassikexperte Robin Waterfield gibt einen umfassenden Einblick in Leben und Werk des großen Philosophen. Er erklärt, warum Platon lieber Dialoge als Abhandlungen geschrieben hat, und gibt einen Überblick über den Inhalt aller Bücher Platons.
Mark Aurel (121–180 n. Chr.) war der sechzehnte römische Kaiser und einer der mächtigsten, aber auch klügsten Männer seiner Zeit. Seine »Selbstbetrachtungen«, die nie zur Veröffentlichung bestimmt waren, haben sich als unerschöpfliche Quelle der Weisheit und als eines der wichtigsten Werke der stoischen Philosophie erwiesen. In eindrücklicher Sprache verfasst, reichen die Einträge von einzeiligen Aphorismen bis zu Essays, die von Menschenliebe, Besonnenheit, aber auch Melancholie geprägt sind. Diese kommentierte Ausgabe von Robin Waterfield, einem weltbekannten Experten antiker Philosophie, bietet einen neuen Einblick in die Gedankenwelt des Philosophenkaisers des antiken Roms. Sie enthält eine völlig neue Übersetzung seines Klassikers mit ausführlichen Anmerkungen und einer aufschlussreichen Einleitung über Leben und Werk Mark Aurels. Ein Genuss sowohl für Einsteiger als auch für Kenner des Stoizismus.
Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161-180 CE, setting forth his ideas on Stoic philosophy.Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. It is possible that large portions of the work were written at Sirmium, where he spent much time planning military campaigns from 170 to 180. Some of it was written while he was positioned at Aquincum on campaign in Pannonia, because internal notes tell us that the second book was written when he was campaigning against the Quadi on the river Granova (modern-day Hron) and the third book was written at Carnuntum. It is not clear that he ever intended the writings to be published, so the title Meditations is but one of several commonly assigned to the collection. These writings take the form of quotations varying in length from one sentence to long paragraphs.
"We Greeks are one in blood and one in language; we have temples to the gods and religious rites in common, and a common way of life." This declaration by fifth-century historian Herodotus highlights the shared identity of the Greeks, yet it raises questions about their frequent alliances with the "barbarian" Persians against fellow Greeks and the prevalent internecine conflicts throughout ancient Greek history. Acclaimed historian Robin Waterfield delves into these complexities in a comprehensive narrative spanning seven centuries, from the emergence of the Greeks around 750 BCE to the Roman conquest in 30 BCE. This single-volume account stands out for its engaging presentation and thorough coverage of the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. Waterfield skillfully integrates recent scholarship from classical historians and archaeologists, encouraging readers to critically analyze Greek history. The book offers a brilliant, up-to-date exploration of ancient Greece, appealing to both history enthusiasts and university students. It presents a compelling story of the civilization's disunity, underlying cultural solidarity, and eventual political unification, making it an essential read for anyone interested in this remarkable era.
This easy to read biography offers a fascinating look at the life of Alexander
and the world he lived in. A series of illustrated biographies for young
readers featuring significant historical figures, including artists,
scientists, and world leaders.
The Greek Myths contains some of the most thrilling, romantic and unforgettable stories in all human history. From Achilles rampant on the fields of Troy, to the gods at sport on Mount Olympus, from Icarus flying too close to the sun, to the superhuman feats of Heracles, Theseus and the wily Odysseus, these timeless tales exert a fascination and inspiration that have endured for millennia. There are few people as steeped in the Ancient World as Robin and Kathryn Waterfield, and in their hands the heroism, humour, mystery, sensuality and brutality of the Greek Myths are brought brilliantly to life.
"Dividing the spoils" revives the memory of Alexander's Successors, whose fame has been dimmed only because they stand in his enormous shadow. In fact, Alexander left things in a mess at the time of his death, with no guaranteed succession, no administration in place suitable for such an enormous realm, and huge untamed areas both bordering and within his 'empire'. The Successors consolidated the Conqueror's gains. Their competing ambitions, however, meant that consolidation inevitably led to the break-up of the empire.