The Thoughts of the Emperor. Translated by George Long. MARCUS AURELIUS.

A nicely bound copy of the Meditations, compiling the Roman Emperor's personal reflections, insights, and exercises in Stoic philosophy. The translator George Long (1800-1879) was among the first appointed professors of Latin and Greek at the newly founded University of London, a founder of the Royal Geographical Society, and a contributor to Smith's celebrated Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. His translation of the Meditations was first published in 1864. "As a teacher and writer Long exercised much influence on classical scholarship in England, which he wanted to save from 'dusty pedantry'. 'No one', an obituarist remarked, 'ever lived the life recommended by Marcus Aurelius more completely'" (ODNB). Octavo (188 x 124 mm). Small illustration of a coin with Marcus Aurelius's profile on title page. Contemporary calf, spine with raised bands, compartments tooled in gilt, brown and green morocco labels, marbled sides and endpapers, top edge gilt. Spine darkened, extremities lightly refurbished, touch of wear to one corner, minor scratch on title page, contents clean. A very good copy.