Dialogues and Letters

by Seneca

Overview

A major writer and a leading figure in the public life of Rome, Seneca (c. 4BC-AD 65) ranks among the most eloquent and influential masters of Latin prose. This selection explores his thoughts on philosophy and the trials of life. In the Consolation to Helvia he strives to offer solace to his mother, following his exile in AD 41, while On the Shortness of Life and On Tranquillity of Mind are lucid and compelling explorations of Stoic thought. Witty and self-critical, the Letters - written to his young friend Lucilius - explore Seneca's struggle to acquire philosophical wisdom. A fascinating insight into one of the greatest minds of Ancient Rome, these works inspired writers and thinkers including Montaigne, Rousseau, and Bacon, and continue to intrigue and enlighten.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780141914541
Publisher:	Penguin UK
Publication date:	02/24/2005
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	861,898
File size:	313 KB

About the Author

C. D. N. COSTA is Professor of Classics and Chairman of the School of Antiquity at Birmingham University. His main research has been writing commentaries on the world of Seneca, Letters, Dialogues and the tragedy Medea, and he has also edited Lucretius V and a book of essays on Horace. Some of his translations of Seneca's Letters have been given broadcast readings by Paul Scofield on BBC Radio 3.

Table of Contents

Dialogues and Letters - Seneca Preface
Introduction
A Note on the Text
Further Reading
Dialogues
Consolation to Helvia
On Tranquillity of Mind
On the Shortness of Life
Letters
Letter 24
Letter 57
Letter 79
Letter 110
from Natural Questions
1. praef. 1-10 [Seneca urges Lucilius to enjoy the inspiration and benefits of philosophical study]
4A.2.4-6 [The Cataracts of the Nile]
6.1.4-7 [The terrors of earthquakes]
Notes
Index