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The Boy Who Would Be King
It’s one of the most incredible stories in all of history.
A young boy, out of nowhere, is chosen to be the emperor of most of the known world.
What he learned, what he did, who he was, would echo in eternity.
In 138 AD, Hadrian, the emperor of Rome, chose Marcus Aurelius to succeed him. He knew no one was born ready for the job, so he arranged for the young boy’s education.
The greatest philosophers of the day were assigned to teach him, and all threw themselves at the almost inhuman task of preparing someone for absolute power.
It’s a parable for life, really. The gods, fate, someone chooses something for us, calls us to something. Will we answer? Will we step up? Will we achieve the greatness within us?
Marcus Aurelius did. Absolute power not only didn’t corrupt, it made him better. We marvel at him centuries later--this man who thought he would not be remembered, that posthumous fame was worthless--stands today more famous than ever. A hero to millions.
And now, that parable has been illustrated and told for all ages in a new book - The Boy Who Would Be King.
This 100 page book is written by bestselling author Ryan Holiday and illustrated by the illustrious Victor Juhasz. Each page tells the story of Marcus’s rise to power through Ryan’s words and Victor’s illustrations.
The book includes:
82 exclusive illustrations from Victor Juhasz
An illustrated ‘journey map’ showing the journeys of Marcus Aurelius
Over 100 pages of writing from Ryan Holiday
The book is produced from start to finish by Daily Stoic and printed here in the United States.
A young boy, out of nowhere, is chosen to be the emperor of most of the known world.
What he learned, what he did, who he was, would echo in eternity.
In 138 AD, Hadrian, the emperor of Rome, chose Marcus Aurelius to succeed him. He knew no one was born ready for the job, so he arranged for the young boy’s education.
The greatest philosophers of the day were assigned to teach him, and all threw themselves at the almost inhuman task of preparing someone for absolute power.
It’s a parable for life, really. The gods, fate, someone chooses something for us, calls us to something. Will we answer? Will we step up? Will we achieve the greatness within us?
Marcus Aurelius did. Absolute power not only didn’t corrupt, it made him better. We marvel at him centuries later--this man who thought he would not be remembered, that posthumous fame was worthless--stands today more famous than ever. A hero to millions.
And now, that parable has been illustrated and told for all ages in a new book - The Boy Who Would Be King.
This 100 page book is written by bestselling author Ryan Holiday and illustrated by the illustrious Victor Juhasz. Each page tells the story of Marcus’s rise to power through Ryan’s words and Victor’s illustrations.
The book includes:
82 exclusive illustrations from Victor Juhasz
An illustrated ‘journey map’ showing the journeys of Marcus Aurelius
Over 100 pages of writing from Ryan Holiday
The book is produced from start to finish by Daily Stoic and printed here in the United States.
100 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2021
337 people are currently reading
4541 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Holiday
98 books18.2k followersRyan Holiday is media strategist for notorious clients like Tucker Max and Dov Charney. After dropping out of college at 19 to apprentice under the strategist Robert Greene, he went on to advise many bestselling authors and multi-platinum musicians. He is the Director of Marketing at American Apparel, where his work in advertising was internationally known. His strategies are used as case studies by Twitter, YouTube, and Google, and have been written about in AdAge, the New York Times, Gawker, and Fast Company. He is the author is *Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator*, which is due out in July. He currently lives in New Orleans, with his rebellious puppy, Hanno.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 6, 2021
A great little book that tells how Marcus Aurelius was trained to be a leader, a thinker, a learner, a reader, and a good person. The illustrations, by Victor Juhasz, are beautiful. This book will have special meaning to readers who have read Meditations by Aurelius (I recommend the Gregory Hays or Robin Waterfield translations) and know of his life story. There are subtle references to concepts he wrote later on in his journals as well as the people who shaped him, one of those includes his teacher Rusticus. This is a really good book for all ages, that should be read multiple times.
February 22, 2021
I bought it automatically as I buy all of Holiday's stuff. Was shocked it was a "children's" book. Was also shocked that it turned out *not* to be a children's book as I needed to read this today - and every few days just to keep my purpose in check.
June 16, 2022
"The story of Marcus Aurelius is the story of all of us. Destiny selects each person for something."
June 14, 2024
A quick easy read.
The illustrations are beautiful .
I guess will read it to my son as well.
Because it's a kind of book even a 5 year old can understand.
The illustrations are beautiful .
I guess will read it to my son as well.
Because it's a kind of book even a 5 year old can understand.
April 14, 2021
Ik wou dat ik dit klein boekje met prachtige illustraties had meegekregen in mijn opvoeding. Heel subtiel staan er paar prachtige zaken in waar iedereen iets van kan bijleren.
Hopelijk overleefd het lang genoeg in mijn collectie om mijn kinderen te kunnen ontmoeten. 😉
Hopelijk overleefd het lang genoeg in mijn collectie om mijn kinderen te kunnen ontmoeten. 😉
January 14, 2023
Simple and excellent.
I loved this excerpt from the book.
"Whether you’re a kid or a king or anything in between, that’s the model for us to follow. That’s what destiny calls us to do. Keep reading. Keep learning. Courage. Discipline. Justice. Wisdom. It’s an extraordinary thing indeed."
I loved this excerpt from the book.
"Whether you’re a kid or a king or anything in between, that’s the model for us to follow. That’s what destiny calls us to do. Keep reading. Keep learning. Courage. Discipline. Justice. Wisdom. It’s an extraordinary thing indeed."
July 22, 2021
Just beautiful. Should become a must-read for kids, as well as (obviously) for every adult.
August 20, 2022
I wish that all children's books offered this much power to young minds. It is a simplified version of Marcus Aurelius' life but it is not dumbed down and that makes all the difference. I don't care how old you are, you can benefit from the reminders offered in this story. I am grateful to Ryan Holiday for creating this one.
September 16, 2022
The Story is aimed at children and for adult audience who are new to philosophy. The illustration was exceptional. Could have had a few witty one-liners. Definitely a go!
August 4, 2023
Even though this book was written as a children’s book it is still motivational and a great introduction to Aurelius. Not much else to add. A quick and easy read.
February 16, 2021
ESSENTIALS
Simple and focused, Ryan was able to summarize the most important points of stoicism and Marcus Aurelius. His Daily Stoic keeps reminding us how valuable marcus' teaching.
Simple and focused, Ryan was able to summarize the most important points of stoicism and Marcus Aurelius. His Daily Stoic keeps reminding us how valuable marcus' teaching.
April 13, 2021
Short but really beautiful illistrated children's book and the message is very important
April 19, 2021
Beautifully illustrated.
Lovely introduction to Marcus Aurelius and stoic principles.
Lovely introduction to Marcus Aurelius and stoic principles.
March 1, 2022
“It doesn’t matter if you’re tired or well-rested. It doesn’t matter if it’s hard or easy. If you’re cold or warm, What counts, whether you’re a kid or a king or anything in between,” Marcus said, “is that you do the right thing.”
I read Holiday's trilogy, The Obstacle Of The Way, Ego Is The Enemy, Stillness Is The Key and The Daily Stoic a couple of years back and I thought it was wonderful. I learned a lot from it. When this book came out last year, I didn't have the interest to pick it up and read it because I thought it was too basic, I have studied Marcus Aurelius' life and his work, so what is there to know? But now that I read this, there are things that you thought you know but you don't. This book is basic and powerful at the same time. It's the kind of book that will help you cope with tough times. This is one of the best work Mr Holiday's done. Simple but powerful.
I read Holiday's trilogy, The Obstacle Of The Way, Ego Is The Enemy, Stillness Is The Key and The Daily Stoic a couple of years back and I thought it was wonderful. I learned a lot from it. When this book came out last year, I didn't have the interest to pick it up and read it because I thought it was too basic, I have studied Marcus Aurelius' life and his work, so what is there to know? But now that I read this, there are things that you thought you know but you don't. This book is basic and powerful at the same time. It's the kind of book that will help you cope with tough times. This is one of the best work Mr Holiday's done. Simple but powerful.
May 14, 2023
A simplified imagined story about emperor & philosopher Marcus Aurelius, and how he embraced the teachings of stoicism in his life, and didn't just learn it; as Epictetus said: "Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it."
August 11, 2022
Short story about Marcus Aurelius and his beginnings as an emperor. It contains some wise lessons about stoic virtues and guides on how we should behave and approach life. Appropriate for children and adults who want short introduction to stoicism. Timeless lessons for readers!
September 22, 2021
Nice read 🔥🔥🔥
May 8, 2023
good never knew the story, and was a really easy read, for the middle grade challenge
January 1, 2022
Libro pequeño con ilustraciones. En contenido encontrarás los principios básicos de la filosofía estoica y de manera breve la historia de la vida de Marco Aurelio.
December 10, 2024
Stoic lessons with young Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
May 12, 2021
Great book to get kids started on Stoicism and learning about Marcus Aurelius' life.
December 27, 2021
Very nice book. More compatible for children’s but this book does a good job for adults as well by introducing Marcus Aurelius and the stoicism philosophy that he led his empire and its life by. You’ll find in the book some important lessons for life covered in a short story written in an easy manner that can be read to every kid in bedtime.
April 14, 2021
A good intro to Stoicism for a child
I was looking forward to the opportunity to read this new book from Ryan Holiday since his announcement. I was introduced to Stoicism in large by Ryan Holiday’s previous books, and I was looking forward for this book thinking in my little niece, in my godson, and children from other friends.
It’s quite a good read, and one that I could imagine reading to a kid - if the quarantine allows it, and hopefully a son someday. The message is clear and easy to understand, for a kid to be presented with destiny’s choice and being offered the support of his elders for his tasks ahead. The illustrations are wonderful and give a true live image of the messages in the book.
These brief comments are based on the kindle version, and now more convinced to acquire a few hard copies that I will be giving and reading to my niece, godson and other children.
I was looking forward to the opportunity to read this new book from Ryan Holiday since his announcement. I was introduced to Stoicism in large by Ryan Holiday’s previous books, and I was looking forward for this book thinking in my little niece, in my godson, and children from other friends.
It’s quite a good read, and one that I could imagine reading to a kid - if the quarantine allows it, and hopefully a son someday. The message is clear and easy to understand, for a kid to be presented with destiny’s choice and being offered the support of his elders for his tasks ahead. The illustrations are wonderful and give a true live image of the messages in the book.
These brief comments are based on the kindle version, and now more convinced to acquire a few hard copies that I will be giving and reading to my niece, godson and other children.
March 21, 2021
“What does reading books have to do with being a king?” Marcus asked.
“Everything,” Rusticus answered.
“Everything,” Rusticus answered.
April 6, 2021
Designed I believe for reading to children, it's a well illustrated portrayal of Marcus Aurelius' early life. Some liberties are taken with the story to make it easier to understand for the target audience but I don't believe this takes from the impact the book can have and most importantly the message it is trying to convey.
Well be a present for a young family member when they are older.
Well be a present for a young family member when they are older.
September 23, 2021
Great book to use with kids of all ages with an inspiring message. The illustrations were unique and beautifully done. As a teacher/librarian I would definitely use this as a good out-loud read and as a teaching lesson. There is really much you could do with this fable. In the meantime...if you get to Austin, Texas visit Ryan Holiday's bookstore in Bastrop called The Painted Porch.
March 21, 2021
Great short read for kids, love the illustrations. Kept my four year old entertained. This length was perfect, the pictures kept his attention, and he asked two questions while reading through - always a good sign. Good 'mini-biography' to introduce history to your youngest.
April 22, 2021
Though it is a children's book,the ideology and philosophy of stoicism that shaped Marcus Aurelius has been dealt clearly. So much is conveyed with beautiful illustrations and compact quotes. An enlightening short read!
May 11, 2021
Exquisite
Beautifully illustrated and carefully condensates Marcus Aurelius history and teachings. Recommended to everyone who wishes to instill a bit of Stoicism to their youngsters.
Beautifully illustrated and carefully condensates Marcus Aurelius history and teachings. Recommended to everyone who wishes to instill a bit of Stoicism to their youngsters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews