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

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.

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.

Good to read

This book is such a famed and well-read book it’s hard to review it. It is full of important and useful, not to mention practical, information for everyday life as well broad thinking.