This book, by the Stoic Foundation's Director of Studies, features the Handbook of Epictetus, accompanied by an extensive commentary that aims to explain the merits and value of Stoic living. Also included is a fascinating and ancient allegory, The Tablet of Cebes.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #412967 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 282 pages

Synopsis
This new translation of two works, one by Epictetus and the other by Cebes, two ancient Greek philosophers of the Imperial period, are presented in new translations of clear, straightforward English. In this book, readers will learn how to sustain emotional harmony and a 'good flow of life' whatever fortune may hold in store for them. This modern English translation of the complete "Handbook" is supported by and includes: - the first thorough commentary since that of Simplicius, 1500 years ago - a detailed introduction - extensive glossary - index of key terms - chapter-by-chapter discussion of themes - helpful tables that clarify Stoic ethical doctrines as a glance. Accompanying the "Handbook" is the "Tablet of Cebes", a curious and engaging text. In complete contrast, yet complementing the Handbook's more conventional philosophical presentation, the Tablet shows progress to philosophical wisdom as a journey through a landscape inhabited by personifications of happiness, fortune, the virtues and vices.

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Customer Reviews

Glad to be spared the burden of parenting
I agree with the reviewer above. I couldn't believe the comments in relation to Ch 40 - which deals with women, and not just teenage girls - when the author suddenly turns personal and says that he has nothing to say because he has never been a parent, thankfully. My respect for him took a massive nosedive, and I wasn't sure how, then, to approach the rest of the book.

A "Must Buy" for all students of Stoicism
This volume is, indeed, the first complete commentary on Epictetus' Handbook ever written in English and probably the first written in any language since that of Simplicius almost 1500 years ago. This despite the fact that there have been numerous translations of the Handbook, many of which are still available. This book is an extremely valuable addition to Stoic literature for that reason alone.

The text has been structured with the Stoic student in mind (the "prokopton" to use the Greek term). The first section is a general overview of Epictetus view of Stoicism. Most of the rest of the book is a chapter by chapter translation and commentary of the Handbook.

Each chapter begins with the author's own translation. This is followed by a listing of that chapter's key terms( with the Greek original in parentheses). After this comes the author's commentary with the key terms in bold type. There is an extended glossary and index of the terms that will help the reader internalize Stoic concepts and turn theory into practice. In addition there is an extensive bibliography that includes Internet references.

The commentaries vary in length from 1-6 pages per chapter and are relatively easy to read. By the end, you will be surprised how much you have learned, and more importantly, comprehended and retained. Almost all of the commentaries are thorough. Chapter 40, however, on the role of women, is woefully inadequate. The author could have used this chapter to comment on women and classical Stoicism (within the context of the times, it was far ahead of oher philosophies and religions)but he failed to do so.

This book has the potential to be a central text for anyone wanting to know about Stoicism and it's application to modern life. There have been a number of books published with this aim over the last several years and this one is easily the best.

The literary quality of the commentaries is very high and never boring or pedantic. In spots the language is almost lyrical.

It is a shame that the book has been priced so high, but it is worth every bit of it. If you are a practicing Stoic (like the author) or just have a deep interest in it, this book is a "Must Purchase".