Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King [Hardcover]

Now in paperback, the moving life and legacy of Romes great emperor philosopher.
  
This book guides us through the fascinating life and writings of Marcus Aurelius, Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor. Philosopher William O. Stephens explores Marcuss reluctant rise to power, his marriage, and his efforts to mold his son into a just successor. He examines Marcuss Stoic tenets as he describes the struggles of dealing with a fifteen-year pandemic, the betrayal of a trusted general, social upheaval centered on a new superstition (Christianity), and how Marcuss determination to stabilize the empires 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.
 

Stephens writes with vigor and verve, and he refrains from flaunting the expertise he clearly possesses. Its to his credit that in this book he faces head-on the controversies surrounding Marcus reign.

A useful primer for anyone interested in Marcuss thought and the tumultuous events that defined his reign . . . Stephens is particularly insightful [on] Christian persecution, which he contextualizes within the broader clash between Roman and Christian moralities.

A scholarly but very readable description of Marcuss life and times.

The go-to biography going forward . . . Stephens achievement is outstanding. All students of Stoicism, or of Roman imperial history, and the readers, by now in their hundreds of thousands, who find the life and work of Marcus Aurelius to be an inspiration, are very much in his debt.