Selected Letters — Seneca

The letters written by the Stoic philosopher and tragedian Seneca to his friend Lucilius are in effect moral essays whose purpose is to reinforce Lucilius struggle to achieve wisdom and serenity uninfluenced by worldly emotions Seneca advises his friend on how to do without what is superfluous whether on the subject of happiness riches reputation or the emotions The letters include literary critical discussions moral exhortation exemplary heroes and episodes from Roman history and a lurid picture of contemporary luxury We learn about Senecas household and estates and about life in the time of Nero the topic of death is never far away This readable new translation is the largest selection of Senecas letters currently available Accompanied by an invaluable introduction and notes it opens a window on to Senecas world

The letters written by the Stoic philosopher and tragedian Seneca to his friend Lucilius are in effect moral essays whose purpose is to reinforce Lucilius struggle to achieve wisdom and serenity uninfluenced by worldly emotions Seneca advises his friend on how to do without what is superfluous whether on the subject of happiness riches reputation or the emotions The letters include literary critical discussions moral exhortation exemplary heroes and episodes from Roman history and a lurid picture of contemporary luxury We learn about Seneca s household and estates and about life in the time of Nero the topic of death is never far away This readable new translation is the largest selection of Seneca s letters currently available Accompanied by an invaluable introduction and notes it opens a window on to Seneca s world