Martin Hammond Book order (chronological)

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.

The abduction of the beautiful Helen, wife of the King of Sparta, caused the ten-year Trojan War. Homer, who lived in Greece in the eighth century BCE, describes the thrilling events of the last year of the war. The Iliad and The Odyssey are the first European works of literature.