Meditations Paperback - 2004
by Marcus Aurelius
About this book
Reader reviews for Meditations
Review summary
Readers largely regard Meditations as a timeless, aphoristic handbook of Stoic practice—best read slowly or dipped into—whose plainspoken counsel on self-discipline, mortality, duty, and inner composure still feels strikingly relevant. Many praise its quotability, moral seriousness, and the poignancy of an emperor writing privately to himself, noting its value as motivational guidance rather than systematic philosophy. Common caveats include repetition, occasional dryness, and unease with determinism or the gap between imperial privilege and stoic humility; enjoyment often hinges on translation clarity (Gregory Hays is frequently favored). Overall, it’s seen as a foundational, practical classic that invites rereading, even if its rhythm and rigor aren’t for everyone.
Readers say this book is:
timelesspracticalaphoristicmotivationalreflectiverepetitivequotableconsolingaccessibledry at timesWrite a review for this book
Important Terms and Guidelines
- Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
- Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
- Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
- This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
- Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
- Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
- Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
- Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
- Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
- Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information
From the publisher
First edition identification
Widely known as Meditations today, Marcus Aurelius initially compiled the twelve books that make up the work as private journals. The books were originally written in Ancient (Medieval) Greek by the title (ta eis heauton) which translates to "That which is to Himself".
The earliest reference to the work is from Herodian in the 3rd century, who mentions Marcus Aurelius' literary legacy, and there are later references from Arethas of Caesarea in the 10th century and John Tzetzes in the 12th century. The book was first divided into twelve books by the Suda lexicon published in the 10th century. The text is based mainly on two manuscripts: the Codex Palatinus (P) and the Codex Vaticanus (A), which was printed by Wilhelm Xylander in 1558.
The modern history of Meditations dates from the issue of the first printed edition (editio princeps) by Wilhelm Xylander, which appeared in Latin in 1558 or 1559. The original manuscript from which it was printed is now lost, so this text has become one of the two principal sources of all modern texts. First English translation was made in 1634 by Meric Casaubon.
Meditations has always been an extremely popular text and it continues to help and inspire readers today.
Details
- Title Meditations
- Author Marcus Aurelius
- Binding Paperback
- Edition Paperback
- Pages 200
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Orion Publishing Group, London
- Publication date April 1, 2004
- ISBN 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Reading level 1150
- Category Philosophy
- Dewey Decimal Code 188
More Copies for Sale
Meditations
by Aurelius, Marcus
- Used
- Very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 2
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$9.40Free Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 1
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$13.36Free Delivery to USA
Show details
MEDITATIONS
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- New
- Condition
- New
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 500
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$14.37A$21.58 Delivery to USA
Show details
MEDITATIONS
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- New
- Condition
- New
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 500
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$14.37A$21.58 Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- New
- Paperback
- Condition
- New
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 500
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$16.41A$21.58 Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- New
- Paperback
- Condition
- New
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 500
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$16.41A$21.58 Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- New
- Paperback
- Condition
- New
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 500
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$16.41A$21.58 Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- New
- Paperback
- Condition
- New
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 500
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$16.41A$21.58 Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good
- Edition
- 0
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 1
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$17.88Free Delivery to USA
Show details
Meditations
by MARCUS AURELIUS
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780753820162 / 0753820161
- Quantity available
- 1
- Seller
- Item price
-
A$25.48A$5.74 Delivery to USA