Marcus Aurelius

The gripping life, times, thought and legacy of Stoic emperor Marcus Aurelius

This book guides us through the fascinating life and writings of Marcus Aurelius, the only Roman emperor celebrated for centuries for his decency and earnest Stoic philosophy.

Philosopher William O. Stephens explores Marcus' reluctant rise to power, his marriage and his efforts to mould his son into a successor. He examines Marcus' Stoic tenets as he describes the struggles of dealing with a fifteen-year pandemic, the betrayal of a trusted general, social upheaval centred on a new 'superstition' Christianity - and how Marcus' determination to stabilize the empire's borders resulted in strife, broken treaties and protracted wars.

This gripping narrative of Marcus' life, times and thought, as well as his complex legacy, will appeal to all those interested in Roman history as well as to aspiring Stoics.

'Stephens writes with vigor and verve' – The Wall Street Journal

'The go-to biography going forward . . . Stephens’ achievement is outstanding.' – Stoicism Today