Illuminating writings by Stoicism's most eloquent advocate, now with a new introduction

'It is philosophy that has the duty of protecting us... without it no one can lead a life free of fear or worry'

For several years of his turbulent life, in which he was dogged by ill health, exile and danger, Seneca was the guiding hand of the Roman Empire. This selection of Seneca's letters shows him upholding the ideals of Stoicism - the wisdom of the self-possessed person immune to life's setbacks - while valuing friendship and courage, and criticizing the harsh treatment of slaves and the cruelties in the gladiatorial arena. The humanity and wit revealed in Seneca's interpretation of Stoicism is a moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.

Seneca (Author)
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c.4BC - AD65) was born in Cordoba, Spain, where he was brought up studying the traditional virtues of republican Roman life. He became a teacher of rhetoric but attracted attention for his incisive style of writing.

Liz Gloyn (Introducer)
Liz Gloyn is a Reader in Latin Language and Literature in the Department of Classics at Royal Holloway, University of London, where her research focuses on the intersections between Latin literature, ancient philosophy and gender studies. She is co-director of the Centre for the Reception of Greece and Rome and the author of The Ethics of the Family in Seneca (2017) and Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture (2019).