One of the most significant books ever written by a head of state, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions - a cornerstone of Western thought. Translation by George Long revised by Duncan Steen. Read more

Acclaimed actress Claire Danes burnishes an epic story of heroes, gods, and monsters in a groundbreaking translation of The Odyssey, the first great adventure story in the Western literary tradition. When the wily warrior-king Odysseus sets off for home after the Trojan War, he doesn’t realize this simple undertaking will become a perilous journey of 10 years. Beset at every turn, he encounters obstacles, detours, and temptations—both supernatural and human—while his wife Penelope fends off would-be suitors desperate to take the throne.Emily Wilson is the first woman to take on the daunting task of translating over 100,000 lines of a three-millennium-old poem from Ancient Greek to modern-day English. Her breathtaking rendition captures the poetic immediacy of the original text, while allowing listeners to experience The Odyssey with an honesty and directness few other versions have achieved. The result is a lean, fleet-footed translation that recaptures Homer’s “nimble gallop” and brings an ancient epic to new life. A fascinating introduction provides an informative overview of the Bronze Age milieu that produced the epic, the major themes of the poem, the controversies about its origins, and the unparalleled scope of its impact and influence. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

The Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of every man's journey through life. In the myths and legends that are retold here, the energy and poetry of Homer's original is captured in a bold, contemporary idiom, giving us an edition of The Odyssey that is a joy to listen to, worth savoring and treasuring for its sheer lyrical mastery. This audiobook is sure to delight both the classicist and the general listener and to captivate a new generation of Homer's students. Read more

"In classical Greece men called rhapsodes memorized and recited “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.” My own rhapsode is the English actor Dan Stevens, whom fans of “Downton Abbey” will know as Matthew Crawley. He’s been performing the Robert Fitzgerald translation, and no Hellene could do it better." — Wall Street Journal Robert Fitzgerald's translation of The Odyssey has been the standard translation for more than three generations of students and poets. Macmillan Audio is delighted to publish the first ever audio edition of this classic work, the greatest of all epic poems. Fitzgerald's supple verse is ideally suited for audio, recounting the story of Odysseus' long journey back to his wife and home after the Trojan War. Homer's tale of love, adventure, food and drink, sensual pleasure, and mortal danger reaches the English-language listener in all its glory. In keeping with the oral tradition of the time, Dan Stevens, whose many celebrated performances include Downton Abbey's Matthew Crawley, makes this epic tale come alive. The listener becomes totally immersed in the adventure and drama of the story—this is the way The Odyssey was meant to be experienced. Also included on the program is a portion of the poem read in ancient Greek so that listeners may experience the lyricism and music of the original language. Read more

Flavius Josephus was a first-century Pharisee, soldier, informant to the Romans, and writer. He left behind the most extensive writings on ancient Jewish history still in existence. These are his complete collected writings in a beautiful hardcover edition.If you want to understand and immerse yourself in the Jewish history, culture, and community of Jesus, let Josephus: The Complete Works open your eyes. Flavius Josephus—first-century Pharisee, Jewish historian, Roman consultant, and writer—documented aspects of life during the time of Christ, giving us extensive writings on ancient Jewish history.By studying Josephus' works, you'll gain a behind-the-scenes look at biblical figures, including Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, and James the brother of Jesus; plus insights into the Dead Sea Scrolls community, Sadducees and Pharisees, the War of the Jews, and more.Features include:The War of the Jews—an account of the Jewish revolt against Rome up to the destruction of the temple in JerusalemThe Antiquities of the Jews—a history of the Jews from Creation to the Roman occupation of PalestineThe Life of Flavius Josephus—the autobiography of Josephus, who fought against Rome and later served the empireAgainst Apion—a defense of the origin of Judaism in the face of Greco-Roman slandersDiscourse to the Greeks Concerning Hades—a text Whiston attributed to JosephusIndex of parallels between Josephus’s Antiquities and the Old Testament including the Apocrypha Read more

For thousands of years, Homer's ancient epic poem the Iliad has enchanted readers from around the world. When you join Professor Vandiver for this lecture series on the Iliad, you'll come to understand what has enthralled and gripped so many people. Her compelling 12-lecture look at this literary masterpiece - whether it's the work of many authors or the "vision" of a single blind poet - makes it vividly clear why, after almost 3,000 years, the Iliad remains not only among the greatest adventure stories ever told but also one of the most compelling meditations on the human condition ever written. As you'll learn, the grandeur and immediacy of Homer's world would seem to defy time and space. Throughout these lectures, you'll explore this legendary era in brilliant, unforgettable hues. You'll meet its towering heroes who thirst for honor and the gods who inspired and instigated them. You'll go deep inside the shattering battles at Troy that act out mankind's awesome passions for glory, love, and vengeance. But more than that, you'll focus on the timeless human issues this masterpiece raises, all of them evoked by the power of a single dramatic question: Why does Achilles rage? The limits of freedom, the common humanity we share, the line between justice and revenge, the nature of destiny, the meaning of life - Professor Vandiver uses the Iliad as a potent lens through which to study them all. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Read more

Dating to the ninth century BC, Homer’s timeless poem still vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amidst devastation and destruction, as it moves inexorably to the wrenching, tragic conclusion of the Trojan War. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox observes in his superb Introduction that although the violence of the Iliad is grim and relentless, it coexists with both images of civilized life and a poignant yearning for peace. Combining the skills of a poet and scholar, Robert Fagles brings the energy of contemporary language to this enduring heroic epic. He maintains the drive and metric music of Homer’s poetry and evokes the impact and nuance of the Iliad’s mesmerizing repeated phrases in what Peter Levi calls “an astonishing performance”. Read more

Here is the much-anticipated new translation of Virgil's epic poem from the award-winning translator Robert Fagles. The publication of a new translation by Fagles is a literary event. His translations of both the Iliad and Odyssey have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and have become the standard translations of our era. Now, with this stunning modern verse translation, Fagles has reintroduced Virgil's Aeneid to a whole new generation, and completed the classical triptych at the heart of Western civilization.The Aeneid is a sweeping epic of arms and heroism and a searching portrait of a man caught between love, duty, and the force of his own destiny. Here, Fagles brings to life the timeless journey of Aeneas as he flees the ashes of Troy to found Roman society and change forever the course of the Western world.Fagles' translation retains all of the gravitas and humanity of the original as well as its powerful blend of poetry and myth.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

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What is it in Homer's Odyssey that has so enthralled readers from around the world for thousands of years? By joining Professor Vandiver for these 12 lectures on the Odyssey, you'll find out why. This literary exploration centers on a single provocative question about the epic poem's protagonist, Odysseus: Why does he long so powerfully to go home? To probe the depths of this question, you'll embark on meticulous, insightful examinations of the most important episodes in the Odyssey. In doing so, you'll understand the cultural assumptions that lie behind Homer's lines and the critical and interpretive issues involved in truly unpacking this ancient masterpiece. Among the range of episodes, themes, and topics you'll explore are: Odysseus's superb skills as a rhetorician; the abrupt break in the text at the end of the "Great Wanderings" episode, when the poem briefly returns to the third-person narrative; Penelope's knowledge and motives as they relate to the inevitability of her suitors' doom; the effectiveness (or possible lack thereof) in the poem's ending; the historical basis for the Trojan War from which Odysseus returns; and more. For anyone who's loved the stories of Odysseus's encounters with witches, monsters, and vengeful gods; for anyone who's longed to truly grasp the intricate nature of Homer's epic; or for anyone who has been looking for ways to approach a work that can often be intimidating to first-time readers, these lectures are an invaluable resource and a helpful introduction to the grandest adventure story in Western literature. Read more

You've followed Dante through the dreaded gates of Hell, to the arduous slopes of Mount Purgatory, and now, finally, to the transcendence of the Heavenly Court.With Dr. Anthony Esolen, you've traveled into the depths of the Inferno. You've witnessed the terrible hopelessness of Hell and the bitter punishments for sinners there. You've accompanied Dante and Virgil through the mysteries of Mount Purgatory, where sinners are purged of all attachment to sin. Finally, together with blessed Beatrice, enter into the indescribable glory of Heaven.The Beatific VisionDante imagines that Paradise consists of nine celestial spheres which surround the very Throne of God at the center. It is like a blossoming rose. Each petal reveals further splendor and glory the nearer we come to the center. Yet, in a way, Dante's journey to God reads something like science-fiction - after all, he and Beatrice travel through:The Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and SaturnThe "Fixed Stars" - a region medievals imagined to contain all stars except the SunAnd finally, through the "Primum Mobile" - the sphere which causes the motion of all other spheres within it because it is moved directly by GodIn each astral location, Dante and Beatrice meet the blessed souls who enjoy the bliss of Heaven.Unlike Purgatory and the Inferno, which are arranged by different types of sin, Paradise is structured according to virtue. Each sphere is associated with one of the cardinal virtues - prudence, fortitude, justice, and temperance - or one of the theological virtues - faith, hope, and charity.Poetry of the Highest OrderProfessor Esolen who has served as your guide through both the Inferno and Purgatory will guide you through the profound and elevated poetry of Paradise. An expert who has taught Dante to college students for more than 20 years, Professor Esolen is also the preeminent modern translator of the entire The Divine Comedy from the original Italian.Dante can rightly be called the greatest poet who ever lived, because he chose for the subject of his epic poem the greatest subject ever conceived - namely, the whole purpose and end of man. Dante's imaginative genius gave us both astonishing human and theological insights and perhaps the most beautiful verse describing Heaven ever written.Discover the ineffable majesty of Paradise with Professor Esolen, and complete the journey of all men who have conquered the self through the sufferings of Purgatory.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

These 16 lectures bring the Socratic quest for truth alive and explore ideas that are as vital today as they were 25 centuries ago - ideas about truth, justice, love, beauty, courage, and wisdom that can change lives and reveal the world in new ways. Here, you'll delve into the inner structure, action, and meaning of 17 of Plato's greatest dialogues, making these lectures an indispensable companion for anyone interested in philosophy in general or Platonic thought in particular. As you'll learn, the dialogues share some general characteristics - and they all breathe with the feeling, the tension, and even the humor of great theater. Even if you don't have time to reacquaint yourself directly with Platonic texts, you'll benefit enormously from these lectures' insights into the depths of reflection opened by Socrates and Plato - arguably the most important teacher-student pairing in history. You'll become engrossed in "the romance of the intellect," as Professor Sugrue opens a path for you into the inner structure and action of these selected dialogues, for millennia the objects of devoted study by the noblest minds. These lectures offer no easy answers. What they give instead is much better: an introduction to Platonic "meta-education," the art not of what to think but of how to think. You'll see the stunning subtlety with which Plato weaves together the strengths of philosophy and poetry, dialectic and drama, word and action. And you'll catch a glimpse of the "serious playfulness" that Socrates says the search for the good, the true, and the beautiful can inspire in the human soul. Read more

A New York Times Notable Book of 2018"Wilson’s language is fresh, unpretentious and lean…It is rare to find a translation that is at once so effortlessly easy to read and so rigorously considered." —Madeline Miller, author of CirceComposed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travelers, hospitality, and the yearning for home.This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative. Its characters are unforgettable, none more so than the “complicated” hero himself, a man of many disguises, many tricks, and many moods, who emerges in this version as a more fully rounded human being than ever before.Written in iambic pentameter verse and a vivid, contemporary idiom, Emily Wilson’s Odyssey sings with a voice that echoes Homer’s music; matching the number of lines in the Greek original, the poem sails along at Homer’s swift, smooth pace.A fascinating, informative introduction explores the Bronze Age milieu that produced the epic, the poem’s major themes, the controversies about its origins, and the unparalleled scope of its impact and influence. Maps drawn especially for this volume, a pronunciation glossary, and extensive notes and summaries of each book make this is an Odyssey that will be treasured by a new generation of readers. Read more

LA NUEVA EDICIÓN CON TRADUCCIÓN MODERNA Y EXPLICACIONES DETALLADAS DE “MEDITACIONES DE MARCO AURELIO”Esta edición de Meditaciones de Marco Aurelio es verdaderamente única en el mercado y ofrece:Una Traducción Moderna en Español: Descubre las enseñanzas de Marco Aurelio en un lenguaje claro y directo, diseñado especialmente para los lectores de hoy. Esta edición conserva la profundidad y el significado del texto original, asegurando una lectura fácil y comprensible.Explicaciones Detalladas de Cada Reflexión: Profundiza en las ideas de Marco Aurelio con comentarios cuidadosamente elaborados que hacen accesibles y relevantes incluso los conceptos más complejos.Anotaciones Perspicaces: Conoce las figuras históricas, los eventos y las influencias que moldearon la filosofía de Marco Aurelio, obteniendo una comprensión más rica de su perspectiva estoica.Resúmenes Concisos de los 12 Libros: Absorbe rápidamente las lecciones principales de cada libro con resúmenes que destacan los puntos clave, facilitando la aplicación de estas ideas en tu vida cotidiana.ESTE LIBRO ES PARA:Buscadores de Crecimiento Personal: Encuentra orientación práctica para construir resiliencia, atención plena y propósito en tu día a día.Entusiastas de la Filosofía: Explora el estoicismo de una manera modernizada que conecta la sabiduría antigua con el mundo actual.Estudiantes y Académicos: Ideal para estudios y análisis, con explicaciones detalladas y valioso contexto histórico que enriquecerá tu comprensión.LO QUE GANARÁS:Perspectivas Prácticas sobre el Estoicismo: Descubre lecciones atemporales de Marco Aurelio y aprende a aplicarlas a los desafíos modernos.Una Experiencia de Lectura Enriquecida: Encuentra claridad y significado con explicaciones que iluminan la profundidad de cada reflexión.Una Perspectiva Histórica Completa: Explora a las personas, los eventos y las filosofías que moldearon a uno de los mayores pensadores de la historia.Transforma tu comprensión de Meditaciones con esta edición moderna y enriquecedora. Ya sea que estés descubriendo el estoicismo por primera vez o revisitando sus enseñanzas atemporales, este libro es la guía perfecta hacia la claridad, el autocontrol y una mayor apreciación de la vida.¡Obtén tu copia hoy y comienza tu viaje hacia la sabiduría y el autodescubrimiento! Read more

Step into the mind of one of history's greatest philosophers with Reflections of a Stoic Emperor: The Modern Adaptation of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. This carefully crafted adaptation breathes new life into the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, making it more accessible and relevant for today's readers.In this modern adaptation, Marcus Aurelius' profound insights on life, leadership, and personal growth are presented in clear, contemporary language without losing the depth and essence of his original thoughts. Whether you are new to Stoic philosophy or a seasoned practitioner, this version offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice for living a fulfilling and resilient life.Why Choose This Edition?Annotated Insights: This edition includes thoughtful annotations that provide context, explain difficult concepts, and offer modern applications of Aurelius' teachings. These annotations serve as a guide to help you internalize and practice the Stoic principles in your daily life.Original Illustrations: This book features 10 original illustrations that vividly bring to life the key themes and ideas discussed by Marcus Aurelius. These illustrations not only enhance your reading experience but also offer visual interpretations of the wisdom within.Accessible Language: The original text has been carefully modernized, making it easier to understand while preserving the philosophical richness that has made Meditations a classic for centuries.Exclusive Content: This adaptation includes a detailed introduction that explores the life of Marcus Aurelius, the historical context of his writings, and how Stoicism can be applied in the modern world. This is complemented by a comprehensive study guide to deepen your understanding of Stoic philosophy.Discover the path to inner peace, resilience, and wisdom with this unique edition of Meditations. Embrace the philosophy that has guided leaders, thinkers, and seekers for millennia, now available in a version tailored for today’s readers.Unlock your potential and lead a life of virtue and purpose with Reflections of a Stoic Emperor. Read more

The Aeneid is the great national epic of ancient Rome, and one of the most important works of literature ever written. And with Professor Vandiver's twelve instructive lectures, you'll enter fully into the gripping tale that Virgil tells. Join Aeneas on his long journey west from ruined Troy to the founding of a new nation in Italy, and see how he weaves a rich network of compelling human themes. Your encounter with the Aeneid focuses on careful, detailed examinations of the epic's background, main themes, and significant episodes. You'll get a helpful introduction to Virgil's Latin epic and the mythic and literary background with which Virgil was working (including an insightful summary of the legends of the Trojan War and of Romulus and Remus). From there, you'll dive into the poem itself with lectures that, in their clarity, economy, and enthusiasm, you're sure to find illuminating and thoroughly engaging. Throughout it all, the figure of Aeneas is never far from center stage- as fighter and lover, father and son, refugee and ruler, wanderer and founder, spellbinding storyteller, and sword-wielding man of action. Whether you read the narrative of his adventures as a paean to the glories of Rome or a cautionary tale about the human costs of empire, by the end of these lectures you'll come to understand precisely why Tennyson called Virgil a lord of language, and lauded his special gift for golden phrase. Read more

The Apology of Socrates, by Plato, is the dialogue that presents the speech of legal self-defense, which Socrates presented at his trial for impiety and corruption, in 399 BC.Specifically, The Apology of Socrates is a defense against the charges of “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the same gods as the city, but in other gods which are novel” to Athens.The Apology of Socrates is the dialogue that depicts the trial, written by Plato who details the final days of the philosopher great Socrates.This book has been carefully adapted into Modern English to allow for best enjoyment. Read more

LA NUEVA EDICIÓN CON TRADUCCIÓN MODERNA Y EXPLICACIONES DETALLADAS DE “MEDITACIONES DE MARCO AURELIO”Esta edición de Meditaciones de Marco Aurelio es verdaderamente única en el mercado y ofrece:Una Traducción Moderna en Español: Descubre las enseñanzas de Marco Aurelio en un lenguaje claro y directo, diseñado especialmente para los lectores de hoy. Esta edición conserva la profundidad y el significado del texto original, asegurando una lectura fácil y comprensible.Explicaciones Detalladas de Cada Reflexión: Profundiza en las ideas de Marco Aurelio con comentarios cuidadosamente elaborados que hacen accesibles y relevantes incluso los conceptos más complejos.Anotaciones Perspicaces: Conoce las figuras históricas, los eventos y las influencias que moldearon la filosofía de Marco Aurelio, obteniendo una comprensión más rica de su perspectiva estoica.Resúmenes Concisos de los 12 Libros: Absorbe rápidamente las lecciones principales de cada libro con resúmenes que destacan los puntos clave, facilitando la aplicación de estas ideas en tu vida cotidiana.ESTE LIBRO ES PARA:Buscadores de Crecimiento Personal: Encuentra orientación práctica para construir resiliencia, atención plena y propósito en tu día a día.Entusiastas de la Filosofía: Explora el estoicismo de una manera modernizada que conecta la sabiduría antigua con el mundo actual.Estudiantes y Académicos: Ideal para estudios y análisis, con explicaciones detalladas y valioso contexto histórico que enriquecerá tu comprensión.LO QUE GANARÁS:Perspectivas Prácticas sobre el Estoicismo: Descubre lecciones atemporales de Marco Aurelio y aprende a aplicarlas a los desafíos modernos.Una Experiencia de Lectura Enriquecida: Encuentra claridad y significado con explicaciones que iluminan la profundidad de cada reflexión.Una Perspectiva Histórica Completa: Explora a las personas, los eventos y las filosofías que moldearon a uno de los mayores pensadores de la historia.Transforma tu comprensión de Meditaciones con esta edición moderna y enriquecedora. Ya sea que estés descubriendo el estoicismo por primera vez o revisitando sus enseñanzas atemporales, este libro es la guía perfecta hacia la claridad, el autocontrol y una mayor apreciación de la vida.¡Obtén tu copia hoy y comienza tu viaje hacia la sabiduría y el autodescubrimiento! Read more

Delve into the profound teachings and timeless wisdom of Epictetus through his discourses and "The Enchiridion," which offer readers a practical guide for living a fulfilling and virtuous life. In Discourses, Epictetus explores the fundamental principles of Stoicism, delving into the nature of virtue, human desires, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. The Enchiridion is a handbook that gives us practical advice and guides readers on how to navigate challenges with calm rationality. This compelling work provides invaluable insights and practical techniques to cultivate a resilient mindset to overcome life's challenges with inner strength, wisdom, and peace.An essential guide to enlightenment and emotional well-being!• A philosophical work that inspires and encourages readers to cultivate inner strength.• Provides profound insights about personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself.• A groundbreaking work that stands as the pillar of Stoic philosophy. • An ideal and comprehensive guide for personal and emotional well-being.• Perfect for those who want to learn about Stoicism. Read more