Letters from a Stoic

Penguin Classics

De: Seneca, Robin Campbell

Narrado por: Julian Glover

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Julian Glover, Olivier Award winning actor, also known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Robin Campbell.


A philosophy that saw self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', Stoicism called for the restraint of animal instincts and the severing of emotional ties. These beliefs were formulated by the Athenian followers of Zeno in the fourth century BC, but it was in Seneca (c. 4 BC- AD 65) that the Stoics found their most eloquent advocate. Stoicism, as expressed in the Letters, helped ease pagan Rome's transition to Christianity, for it upholds upright ethical ideals and extols virtuous living, as well as expressing disgust for the harsh treatment of slaves and the inhumane slaughters witnessed in the Roman arenas. Seneca's major contribution to a seemingly unsympathetic creed was to transform it into a powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Short, but narration is superb

I had bought the complete set, but exchanged for this one. The former narration was so poor that I decided to go with this one.

The Immersive Style of a Grandfather

I fear I am one of the fools Seneca decries for enjoying philosophy in terms of entertainment, but the narrator (Julian Glover) has managed to delight me with his performance of this stoic's work all the same.

10/10

Fascinating window into roman time

These letters was fascinating to hear. Listening to Senecas view on life and everyday squarrels made this book for me.

Excellent Book!

At first the narration was bothersome, however about an hour or so in it becomes clear that the narrator and Seneca are a great match. The book is full of knowledge and one that anyone should consider listening to.

Returned - Not "Unabridged"

The narration of these letters was fine, but please note that although it's listed as unabridged this is not a complete audiobook of the letters, but rather a selection. Listeners looking for a taste will have a very fine time of it, the narrator is pleasant, but those looking for an audiobook of all 124 of the Epistulae should go elsewhere.

A fantastic reading of incredible essays

For me personally, the mark of the finest quality any person who attempts to give life to a character of a story or even a real figure in history, is when you cannot imagine anyone else doing it. And that certainly holds true for Julian Glover’s reading of Seneca, I can’t picture anyone else giving voice to an enlightened mind.

As for the essays themselves, they stand the rest of time, urging on the reader to hold themselves to higher standards, for their own sake. Philosophy, as Seneca mentions, is meant to improve the lives of people, first and foremost. It is simply amazing that such men provided lessons that apply to our own lives today, almost two millennia later.

Some very good advice mixed into rambling

Seneca has some of the best thoughts on life I have heard, but it is not what I was expecting. It is entertaining in that he actually talks about what he is doing in real life, and sometimes it actually makes me laugh, but these ideas are extremely unstructured. Just like Meditations, except Meditations stays more on track. Im thinking of reading the Enchiridion next, that should have plenty of structure...

Phenomenal audiobook

The narrator reads as if he wrote the book which makes the audiobook very enjoyable. Amazing book by Seneca.

Source Document for Stoicism

“Do not wish that things go well for you but rather that you go well with all things.”

Be aware of all that is true about the World and take advantage of all it has to offer. And never forget that you will die!

Glover’s British accent gives these letters the ring of authenticity.

Great narration

Seneca's letters are a great resource for all practitioners of Stoic philosophy. He was also a great writer. At first, I didn't like the letters narrated as if they were a play, but after listening to a few of them, I truly enjoyed the narration. It really goes with the Seneca's writing style.
It feels like a conversation with Luciliuis.