Dialogues and Essays (Owc) *

Translated by John Davie and Edited by Tobias Reinhardt

The fullest translation of Seneca's treatises (dialogues and essays) in print, showing the range of Seneca's philosophical interests in its most accessible form.
John Davie's translations are modern and readable and reflect Seneca's desire to make Stoic teaching accessible and comprehensible.
Tobias Reinhardt's introduction is wide ranging and as well as covering Seneca's career, literary style, and influence,includes a masterly summary of Stoic philosophy and Seneca's interpretation of it. His notes are the fullest of any comparable
edition.
Seneca's philosophical writings on subjects such as the shortness of life, anger, tranquillity of mind, and consolations for grief on the loss of a loved one, are strikingly applicable to our modern world.

'No man is crushed by misfortune unless he has first been deceived by prosperity.'

In these dialogues and essays the Stoic philosopher Seneca outlines his thoughts on how to live in a troubled world. Tutor to the young emperor Nero, Seneca wrote exercises in practical philosophy that draw upon contemporary Roman life and illuminate the
intellectual concerns of the day. They also have much to say to the modern reader, as Seneca ranges widely across subjects such as the shortness of life, tranquillity of mind, anger, mercy, happiness, and grief at the loss of a loved one. Seneca's
accessible, aphoristic style makes his writing especially attractive as an introduction to Stoic philosophy, and belies its reputation for austerity and dogmatism. This edition combines a clear and modern translation with an introduction to Seneca's life
and philosophical interests, and helpful notes.