Letters from a Stoic cover art

Letters from a Stoic

Penguin Classics

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Letters from a Stoic

By: Seneca, Robin Campbell
Narrated by: Julian Glover
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Julian Glover, Olivier Award winning actor, also known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Robin Campbell.


A philosophy that saw self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', Stoicism called for the restraint of animal instincts and the severing of emotional ties. These beliefs were formulated by the Athenian followers of Zeno in the fourth century BC, but it was in Seneca (c. 4 BC- AD 65) that the Stoics found their most eloquent advocate. Stoicism, as expressed in the Letters, helped ease pagan Rome's transition to Christianity, for it upholds upright ethical ideals and extols virtuous living, as well as expressing disgust for the harsh treatment of slaves and the inhumane slaughters witnessed in the Roman arenas. Seneca's major contribution to a seemingly unsympathetic creed was to transform it into a powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio Ethics & Morality Greek & Roman History Letters & Correspondence Memoirs, Diaries & Correspondence Philosophy Stoicism Classics

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It's a nice example of Stoic philosophy that sprang from the great Cynics. Well read and recorded. A practical guide to living, even in today's world. The letters get a little less interesting towards the end though.

The audible reading here is just so good, with Julian Glover really inhabiting the work.

I prefer Marcus Auerilious' 'Mediataions' but, Like his 'On the shortness of life'', Seneca's writing stands up very well today.

Perfectly performed

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I enjoyed this very much, Primal texts like this are not as easy to summarise as secondary texts, but non the less, this made for easy listening. As well as learning about Stoicism it was enjoyable to hear about the life of the stoics and how they spent their time.

Excellent narration

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Julian Glover reads this so beautifully. He has all the authority in the voice but also a rich vein of humour running through it. This is what happens when you book a great actor to read a book!

Perfect narration from a great actor.

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This audiobook is extraordinary! The performance by julian glover makes you feel as the a wise old stoic philosopher Seneca is speaking to you. Personally to you. As if you are sitting on the benches under the late afternoon sun and speaking to a wise old grandfather who holds your well being and affection in his heart. And as if you can reach out and touch his winkled old hand.
Thank you audible and thank you julian glover

Exceptional narration!

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The narrators (actor Julian Glover) style and reading is very good, I really could almost believe it was an elderly Seneca reading them! If he had spoken excellent English that was. :-)

Excellent reading

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Of course Seneca’s letters from a stoic is brilliant collection of essays really. However this is brought brilliantly to life by the wonderful narration of Julian Glover. You really feel as though you are listening to the character or Seneca himself. Have listened several times to the book and will continue to do so.

Brilliant Narration of Timeless Wisdom

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It is beautifully narrated and Seneca's philosophy is timeless.
His death shows the truth of his life.

A great help in these strange times.

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The narrator was perfect, very well read and made me believe it could have been Seneca himself. Full of morality in which we can all draw from in life

A life of virtue

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Everything You Could Hope For if you are interested in Stoic philosophy and want some extended essays on a range of topics.

Everything You Could Hope For

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Fantastic book, before I talk about it though I have to say this is by far the best audible performance I’ve heard yet. The narrator captures Senecas humour and emphasises and laughs where needed. He softens and explains when also needed, it’s as if he wrote the letters himself and were reciting them to a friend. Seneca’s letters show a leading roman stoic at their barest. These letters are fantastic in that there is such a variety of information and subjects covered. They are very well written and clear, making them a fantastic read (whether you agree with what’s being said or not). Seneca pulls no punches; here we see his gripes and issues with the unphilosophical men of his time and even some criticism of other stoics and their practises. He has great whit and his stoicism seems a more digestible one for the common person. These letters were intended to be read, and I highly recommend their reading.

Fantastic book, impeccable narration

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