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Marcus Aurelius: A Life from Beginning to End
Marcus Aurelius * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. Have you ever heard of Marcus Aurelius? It wouldn’t come as much of a surprise if you haven’t. While names like Nero, Caligula, Hadrian, and Constantine grab all the attention with their exploits, Marcus Aurelius tends to sit more in the historical background of the Roman Empire. In many ways, he is a lesser known emperor even though his written works have stood the test of time. Marcus, a prolific writer and formidable scholar, was perhaps the first to fulfill Plato’s dream of the philosopher king. Inside you will read about... ✓ Rise to Prominence ✓ Marriage of Convenience ✓ Losing His Twin Boys ✓ The Defeat of Parthia ✓ The Danger from Within And much more! Marcus Aurelius reigned over the Roman Empire for almost two decades—from 161 CE until 180 CE—and during that span, he took the time to look back at his own life in the legendary Meditations. Penned in his own words in a mainly diary-styled format, this book was never meant for publication but was discovered several years after the emperor’s death. It was this book that ignited an interest in this otherwise unsung emperor, and that interest lasts to this very day.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2018
239 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 13, 2020
Marcus Aurelius: A Life from Beginning to End – is my second read of the Hourly History Series. I was a little critical of the first book I read (about Augustus) for not devoting more of the 60 mins of reading time to his period as Emperor – I mean, he was the first and a better than average ruler and I thought it deserved more time. Similarly with this book, I expected more of a mention of Aurelius’ activities as a Stoic Philosopher. This guy is right up there with the likes of other philosophers like Seneca, and his thinking is still used to this day. Marcus Aurelius was multi-talented though, he was an accomplished Orator, a voracious reader of Physics and Logic, an accomplished General particularly in the Germanic Wars, and he was Emperor during the period 161-180 CE.
Interestingly, each chapter commences with one of Marcus Aurelius’ notable quotes. It is worth stating this guy was the last of a group of what is known as “The Five Good Emperors”- no small feat.
Several noteworthy thoughts from the Philosopher Emperor include:
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking”
“Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil”
“The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away”
I’m not sure about you, but I could read these quotes all day. The trick is, to live this way.
The book discusses his marriage, the loss of his boys, military conflicts, and the interesting relationship between he and his rather naughty adoptive brother, Lucius – It’s a very busy read.
This series provides the reader with a rapid-fire chronology of the life of the subject and this does work, so perhaps my criticisms of these books not concentrating on certain aspects of the life of the individual, which I deem to be significant, is a bias I have to deal with.
On the whole, these little books are wonderful. If you’re interested in ancient history – these are for you, particularly as an introduction. One word of caution, as I am not expert in this field, I cant really verify the veracity of the contents. But like all reading of this nature, it is always good to cross reference to other sources. Hey, that’s all part of the fun.
Grab one – you might like it.
4 stars.
Interestingly, each chapter commences with one of Marcus Aurelius’ notable quotes. It is worth stating this guy was the last of a group of what is known as “The Five Good Emperors”- no small feat.
Several noteworthy thoughts from the Philosopher Emperor include:
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking”
“Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil”
“The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away”
I’m not sure about you, but I could read these quotes all day. The trick is, to live this way.
The book discusses his marriage, the loss of his boys, military conflicts, and the interesting relationship between he and his rather naughty adoptive brother, Lucius – It’s a very busy read.
This series provides the reader with a rapid-fire chronology of the life of the subject and this does work, so perhaps my criticisms of these books not concentrating on certain aspects of the life of the individual, which I deem to be significant, is a bias I have to deal with.
On the whole, these little books are wonderful. If you’re interested in ancient history – these are for you, particularly as an introduction. One word of caution, as I am not expert in this field, I cant really verify the veracity of the contents. But like all reading of this nature, it is always good to cross reference to other sources. Hey, that’s all part of the fun.
Grab one – you might like it.
4 stars.
August 4, 2019
Roman history is indeed very fascinating and Hourly History brings forth in this book the role played by one of the icons of Roman history, Marcus Aurelius. "Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than his own soul", statement of a wise ruler.
November 15, 2022
A well written biography of the life of one of the most benevolent Roman emperors. Marcus Aurelius grew up under the reign of emperor Hadrian. Two other emperors succeeded Hadrian before Marcus took the role. Once he became emperor, his reign (161-180) was marked by calamities, namely a plague and several wars. But he always strove to rule justly as he followed the philosophy of Stoicism.
December 15, 2019
This is a good book, especially for people who are just seeking background knowledge to aid more intensive study. It was a quick, easy, and informative read— I’ll definitely be trying out more in the series.
January 30, 2024
Marcus Aurelius seemed to be a well-mannered and intelligent minded ruler of Rome. I can understand why they dub him as one of the good ones. During his reign, he was thrown major and minor problems from northerners rallying up and pillaging the Roman territories to a boy falling to his death on a tight rope. He seemed to always have his head on straight and was able to develop quick solutions. At first when he appointed his brother Lucius as Co-Emporer, I was waiting for the ball to drop and one of them assassinating the other out of greed or pure developed hatred however that never happened. They were able to work together for many years before Lucius passed. It was kind of shocking especially during that era. One of my favorite reads from Hourly History out of the many I've read over the past several years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2021
A Great Emperor Who Loved the Roman Empire
I learned a great deal about the history of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire from the forward. Marcus Aurelius sacrificed a great deal of his personal wealth to fund and lead Roman Legions against the rebellion in the Northern part of the Empire. A brief but a very informative bio of this emperor.
I learned a great deal about the history of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire from the forward. Marcus Aurelius sacrificed a great deal of his personal wealth to fund and lead Roman Legions against the rebellion in the Northern part of the Empire. A brief but a very informative bio of this emperor.
January 29, 2019
Quick and Informative
I wanted to learn more about Marcus Aurelius and this was a good start. I look forward to diving into his life and writings even more in the future. You packed a lot into a small number of pages, thank you.
I wanted to learn more about Marcus Aurelius and this was a good start. I look forward to diving into his life and writings even more in the future. You packed a lot into a small number of pages, thank you.
February 23, 2019
Not really about Marcus Aurelius more about other rulers
Not impressed with it it could of been more about Marcus Aurelius. It was more focused on the army and other rulers from other countries
Not impressed with it it could of been more about Marcus Aurelius. It was more focused on the army and other rulers from other countries
September 26, 2020
An Hour of Insight
To condense this information to a hearty appetizer is noteworthy. Thank you! This has awaken an appetite to learn more about Marcus but more so 900+ years of rule.
To condense this information to a hearty appetizer is noteworthy. Thank you! This has awaken an appetite to learn more about Marcus but more so 900+ years of rule.
September 28, 2020
Though their lives are long gone, they still affect our own time and
And history. We can study their history and profit from same. For who knows how many of us carry those genes of yesterday.
And history. We can study their history and profit from same. For who knows how many of us carry those genes of yesterday.
October 8, 2020
A must if you want to know Marcus Aurelius
There is so much to know about the Roman Empire and in order to tie events and find some reason, knowing the people and their lives is mandatory.
There is so much to know about the Roman Empire and in order to tie events and find some reason, knowing the people and their lives is mandatory.
January 20, 2021
Well, the title says it all! This is the first book I read to answer my curiousity about Marcus Aurelius. Hourly History did the good job to compile all the basic information about the mighty image of Marcus Aurelius tho, one of the greatest emperors.
January 5, 2025
3.5 stars. I really enjoy these books. However, it is worth noting that the author seems to have Christocentric biases that come through in the writing. But, regardless, it is a very nice summary that I enjoyed, and it is also good that the author puts sources at the end.
May 6, 2018
Concise overview.
Quick and concise overview of the life of Aurelius. Interesting read that leads me to find more comprehensive works about the emperor's life.
Quick and concise overview of the life of Aurelius. Interesting read that leads me to find more comprehensive works about the emperor's life.
May 9, 2018
Enjoyable history
I found this book to be satisfying and easy to read. What else can you ask of ancient history? Marcus Aurelius was truly an interesting man.
I found this book to be satisfying and easy to read. What else can you ask of ancient history? Marcus Aurelius was truly an interesting man.
May 18, 2018
Very good read and to the point
Succinct and accurate. O enjoyed every bit of it and would recommend it a good option for a book report.
Succinct and accurate. O enjoyed every bit of it and would recommend it a good option for a book report.
June 17, 2018
Informative
Easy to understand and war fare was made interesting
“Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil.” —Marcus Aurelius
Easy to understand and war fare was made interesting
“Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil.” —Marcus Aurelius
October 6, 2018
Um...
Marcus Aurelius has always been a fascination for me. I always wanted to learn more about him and this didnt disappoint. What did disappoint was the writing style and types.
Marcus Aurelius has always been a fascination for me. I always wanted to learn more about him and this didnt disappoint. What did disappoint was the writing style and types.
February 2, 2020
Great Little Book!
A great little book - concise and easy to read - read before Meditations and it gives a real feel for the man himself!
A great little book - concise and easy to read - read before Meditations and it gives a real feel for the man himself!
March 29, 2020
Marcus Aurelius is Alive.
Marcus Aurelius is Alive within these pages. He is a full bodied Emperor who story is so fascinating from first to the last page.
Marcus Aurelius is Alive within these pages. He is a full bodied Emperor who story is so fascinating from first to the last page.
May 31, 2021
A leader who actually cared for his people and country. A must read.
December 27, 2021
A good short read about a great man.
If you want a short read to familiarise yourself with Marcus Aurelius then this is perfect. A good starting point.
If you want a short read to familiarise yourself with Marcus Aurelius then this is perfect. A good starting point.
January 23, 2022
To short on detail
Understanding that this series is meant as cliff note of history I felt that a little more could of been said regarding this important emptor
and philosopher.
Understanding that this series is meant as cliff note of history I felt that a little more could of been said regarding this important emptor
and philosopher.
August 28, 2022
This was just ok.
October 20, 2022
“Never let the future disturb you . You will meet it , if you have to , with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present .”
November 8, 2022
A short, concise history
This is a short, concise, fun to read history that keeps you involved and constantly reading it. Before you know it, you have read the entire history.
This is a short, concise, fun to read history that keeps you involved and constantly reading it. Before you know it, you have read the entire history.
December 4, 2022
A quick read overview of the last “good” Roman emperor.
September 21, 2020
Nice history
Good read on emperor Aurelius. Brings forth family had to have many children. Only one or two made it to adulthood. A man was a man at 14.
Good read on emperor Aurelius. Brings forth family had to have many children. Only one or two made it to adulthood. A man was a man at 14.
October 9, 2020
Marcus Aurelius was an interesting guy, a philosopher who ended up becoming a good emperor of Rome. The book gives a brief history of the Roman empire and then goes into the birth of Marcus Aurelius, the type of education he received and how at an early age he was basically living like a monk.
It then goes into how he ended up being in the upper tier of Roman society and eventually becoming Emperor. As most emperors he had to deal with various wars. He ended up marrying a woman that was not his first choice but was expected of him and her job, of course, (for that time period and long after for women) was expected to give him a male heir.
There was a plague problem during his rein but, basically, he did a very good job as emperor and there's even a book on his thoughts (called Meditations) available today, over 1900 years after his birth, and that's quite an accomplishment in itself.
It then goes into how he ended up being in the upper tier of Roman society and eventually becoming Emperor. As most emperors he had to deal with various wars. He ended up marrying a woman that was not his first choice but was expected of him and her job, of course, (for that time period and long after for women) was expected to give him a male heir.
There was a plague problem during his rein but, basically, he did a very good job as emperor and there's even a book on his thoughts (called Meditations) available today, over 1900 years after his birth, and that's quite an accomplishment in itself.
August 26, 2023
Assessment of the book, Marcus Aurelius
I received this book from Amazon, and it is part of the Hourly history collection. These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about Marcus Aurelius ‐ the last good Roman Emperor. This short book has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This is my assessment of this book, Marcus Aurelius, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3,875 stars
Some excerpts from the book:
My Kindle Notes & Highlights
Many do not realize just how ancient Rome is, but to put things into perspective, the city of Rome was nearing its 900th year right around the time Marcus Aurelius was born in 121 CE.
Just to put things into perspective, consider the fact that the United States—which also considers itself a Republic—is only 242 years old, whereas the Roman Republic lasted nearly 500 years without interruption.
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” —Marcus Aurelius
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” —Marcus Aurelius
In the case of the Stoics, the prevalent belief and approach to life was to practice rational logic.
Stoicism valued an austere life similar to the Cynics, but while the Cynics weren’t above giving in to their natural urges, Stoicism taught its adherents emotional self-control. Stoics taught that in moments of crisis, any sense of fear, pain, or alarm should be avoided as much as possible.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” —Marcus Aurelius
“Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil.” —Marcus Aurelius
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” —Marcus Aurelius
It is said that early on into this affair, Marcus bore witness to a boy falling to his death while walking a tightrope, and as a result, he insisted on having all high wire performers do their stunts over safety mats placed on the ground. It is said that Marcus Aurelius’ idea of utilizing these safety mats was the inspiration for the development of the safety nets that are used by such circus acts today.
“Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” —Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was said to be the last of the “Good Emperors,” and despite the constant warfare present in his reign, he would serve as a bookend to the ascendency of Rome, with a slow decline occurring thereafter.
I received this book from Amazon, and it is part of the Hourly history collection. These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about Marcus Aurelius ‐ the last good Roman Emperor. This short book has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
This is my assessment of this book, Marcus Aurelius, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3,875 stars
Some excerpts from the book:
My Kindle Notes & Highlights
Many do not realize just how ancient Rome is, but to put things into perspective, the city of Rome was nearing its 900th year right around the time Marcus Aurelius was born in 121 CE.
Just to put things into perspective, consider the fact that the United States—which also considers itself a Republic—is only 242 years old, whereas the Roman Republic lasted nearly 500 years without interruption.
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” —Marcus Aurelius
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” —Marcus Aurelius
In the case of the Stoics, the prevalent belief and approach to life was to practice rational logic.
Stoicism valued an austere life similar to the Cynics, but while the Cynics weren’t above giving in to their natural urges, Stoicism taught its adherents emotional self-control. Stoics taught that in moments of crisis, any sense of fear, pain, or alarm should be avoided as much as possible.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” —Marcus Aurelius
“Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil.” —Marcus Aurelius
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” —Marcus Aurelius
It is said that early on into this affair, Marcus bore witness to a boy falling to his death while walking a tightrope, and as a result, he insisted on having all high wire performers do their stunts over safety mats placed on the ground. It is said that Marcus Aurelius’ idea of utilizing these safety mats was the inspiration for the development of the safety nets that are used by such circus acts today.
“Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” —Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was said to be the last of the “Good Emperors,” and despite the constant warfare present in his reign, he would serve as a bookend to the ascendency of Rome, with a slow decline occurring thereafter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews