Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King

by William O. Stephens

This book guides us through the fascinating life and writings of Marcus Aurelius, the only Roman emperor celebrated for centuries for his decency and earnest Stoic philosophy. Philosopher William O. Stephens explores Marcus’s reluctant rise to power, his marriage and his efforts to mould his son into a just successor. He examines Marcus’s Stoic tenets as he describes the struggles of dealing with a fifteen-year pandemic, the betrayal of a trusted general, social upheaval centred on a new ‘superstition’ – Christianity – and how Marcus’s determination to stabilize the empire’s borders met with strife, broken treaties and protracted wars. This gripping narrative of Marcus’ life, times and thought, as well as his complex legacy, will appeal to all those interested in Roman history and to aspiring Stoics.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2025

About the author

William O. Stephens is an American expert on Stoicism and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University.
His books include Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics (Bloomsbury, 2023), a revised edition of his English translation of A. F. Bonhöffer, The Ethics of the Stoic Epictetus (Peter Lang, 2021), Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed (Bloomsbury, 2012), Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom (Bloomsbury, 2007), and The Person: Readings in Human Nature (Prentice Hall, 2006). His writings on Stoic topics include food, animals, ecology, love, death, habit, refugees, sports, travel, the Star Wars films, the film Gladiator (2000), and Dungeons & Dragons.