Originally published in 1940, this book contains a succinct introduction to Boethius, the influential medieval philosopher.Originally published in 1940, this book contains a succinct introduction to Boethius, the influential medieval philosopher who was writing during the final days of the Western Roman Empire. Barrett keeps the general reader in mind as she explains Boethius' philosophy and his role in keeping Greek thinking available to his fellow Romans.Originally published in 1940, this book contains a succinct introduction to Boethius, the influential medieval philosopher who was writing during the final days of the Western Roman Empire. Barrett keeps the general reader in mind as she explains Boethius' philosophy and his role in keeping Greek thinking available to his fellow Romans.Originally published in 1940, this book contains a succinct introduction to Boethius, the influential medieval philosopher who was writing during the final days of the Western Roman Empire. Barrett keeps the general reader in mind as she explains Boethius' philosophy and his role in keeping Greek thinking available to his fellow Romans even as they were being conquered by the Ostrogoths. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in ancient thought and in Late Antique philosophy.Preface; 1. Introductory; 2. Western Europe in the fifth century AD; 3. Theodoric the Ostrogoth; 4. Boethius the scholar; 5. Boethius and Theodoric; 6. The fall of Boethius; 7. The Consolation of Philosophy; 8. The philosophical background of the Consolation; 9. Eternal life; 10. The theological writings; 11. Boethius and Christianity; 12. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.