The Illustrated Meditations

The twelve books of Meditations were written over 2,000 years ago by the Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius as a personal diary of notes, nudges and mental exercises to help him live a good life. Yet, with their gentle instructions on living stoically, in harmony with nature and in pursuit of the 'common good', they seem the perfect fit for managing the modern malaise. Little wonder that legions of text-only translations are dominating the bestseller lists.

The Illustrated Meditations takes all that is admirable about Aurelius, and elevates it. A curated selection of his most significant life lessons are arranged thematically in chapters, and carefully edited to make them mindful of today's readers. Introductions explain their history and philosophy, and a commentary is provided by a modern philosopher. Most significantly, a selection of fifty meditations are beautifully illuminated with thoughtful and witty commissioned artworks to bring them to life. Whether you wish to be the bee that maintains the good order of the hive, or the rocky cliff that happily endures the constant waves, The Illustrated Meditations is the perfect stoic starting point.

About the Author

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180 CE) was a Roman emperor and general who ruled over the Empire for two decades. He was a Stoic philosopher who wrote his Meditations in Greek for his personal instruction, drawing on the work of Epictetus. They have since become considered one of the greatest works of spiritual reflection ever written - required reading for statesmen and philosophers, and inspiration to generations of readers who have responded to the intimacy of his writing.