The spiritual teachings of Marcus Aurelius

HFans of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations will enjoy this well-designed, accessible compendium of the Roman Emperor's spiritual insights. Film producer Forstater (of Monty Python and the Holy Grail fame) may seem an irreverent choice to edit the Stoic philosopher's thoughts, but what Forstater lacks in facility with the original Greek he more than compensates for in enthusiasm for his subject. In his introduction (which, at 90 pages, runs a bit long), Forstater identifies several areas in which Aurelius's teachings seem particularly timely, calling special attention to harmony with the environment and the cultivation of personal virtue. This is a book to savor and return to, like a friend. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Film producer Forstater (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) is not remotely a Classicist, and Emperor Marcus Aurelius might well be astonished to see his admonitions to himself packaged as spiritual advice for a broad readership--but anything that rescues this marvelous and once much-read work from its dusty status and makes it a living book again is welcome. Forstater has rearranged Marcus Aurelius's scattered thoughts by subject, and his introduction is unhelpful, but the original is otherwise well and lovingly presented. Recommended for most collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.