Seneca De Clementia [Hardcover]

Soon after Nero's accession in 54 CE, his tutor, the philosopher Seneca, addressed to his young pupil an essay calledDe Clementiain which he offered advice on how to behave in his new role. This is the first full philological edition of theDe Clementiain English. It includes the text with apparatus criticus, a new translation, a substantial introduction, and detailed commentary on matters of textual criticism, literary criticism and issues of socio-political, historical, cultural, and philosophical significance. The notes illuminate Seneca's language and thought through extensive citation of parallel passages from his other writings, from those of other imperial Latin authors, and from other relevant texts. The introduction includes discussion of Seneca's life, relationship with Nero, writings, and philosophy; the date, genre, scope, structure, and argument ofDeClementia; the concept of clementia; kingship theory in Greek literature and Republican Rome; and the work's afterlife and influence.

Introduction
Text and Translation
Commentary

The commentary is full and wide ranging, with numerous parallels but abundant interesting discussion too. This book should be warmly welcomed as a valuable stimulus to further work onDe Clementia. --Classical World

Susanna Braundis Professor of Latin Poetry and its Reception (Canada Research Chair), University of British Columbia.