Synopses & Reviews
Soon after Nero's accession in 54 CE, his tutor, the philosopher Seneca, addressed to his young pupil an essay called De Clementia in which he offered advice on how to behave in his new role. This is the first full philological edition of the De Clementia in English. It includes the text with apparatus criticus, a new translation, a substantial introduction, and detailed commentary on matters of textual criticism, literary criticism and issues of socio-political, historical, cultural, and philosophical significance. The notes illuminate Seneca's language and thought through extensive citation of parallel passages from his other writings, from those of other imperial Latin authors, and from other relevant texts. The introduction includes discussion of Seneca's life, relationship with Nero, writings, and philosophy; the date, genre, scope, structure, and argument of De Clementia; the concept of clementia; kingship theory in Greek literature and Republican Rome; and the work's afterlife and influence.
Review
"The commentary is full and wide ranging, with numerous parallels but abundant interesting discussion too. This book should be warmly welcomed as a valuable stimulus to further work on De Clementia." --Classical World
Synopsis
New translations of significant political writings of Seneca, the most important Stoic philosopher.
About the Author
"It provided an instrument of great value, whose main virtues are clarity and precision of the introduction, the subtle stylistic remarks, attention to the meaning of each word and illuminating parallel with other authors. The translation, in particular, deserves great praise for its vivacity, its elegance and refinement...."--William Flamers Lachapelle,
Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewTable of Contents
Introduction
Text and Translation
Commentary