Author: GRIFFIN, M. T.,
Title: Seneca. A Philosopher in Politics.
Description: Clarendon Press, 1992. XII,520p. Paperback. Upper corner front cover and half title creased. Series: Clarendon Paperbacks. 'The general aim of the work is to confront the works of moral instruction with the life of the statesman. To this end an opening section gives a very full examination to Seneca's political career, particularly during his years of power. This is a painstaking effort at reconstruction which surpasses in detail and penetration any previous biographical study. Given the tenuous nature of the evidence the journey is perhaps more interesting than the results to be found at the destination. (...) The other main section examines Seneca's views on a number of central topics both political and ethical end relates them to what has already been propounded about his life. For all his professions of Stoicism Seneca is most often principally influenced by the social, moral, and literary traditions which had produced him and in which he worked or by his political responsabilities. (...) The picture that emerges of Seneca is neither clear nor simple. That is the fault (if fault it be) of the evidence and of the man, not of Mrs. Griffin. Her work is a substantial contribution to the study not only of Seneca but of the whole Julio-Claudian period and should be required reading well beyond the circle of Senecan scholars.' (JAMES R.G. WRIGHT in The Classical Review (New Series), 1978, pp.269-71). Edition with Postscript ('for discussion of some questions of fact or interpretation in the light of more recent work.' (MG)).

Keywords: 9780198147749