Marcus Aurelius and His Times: The Transition from Paganism to Christianity, Comprising Marcus Aurelius: Meditations / Lucian: Hermotimus, ... Martyr: Dialogue with Trypho- First Apology [Hardcover]

This book is certainly not for everyone. However, for five dollars including shipping, it might be worth purchasing, and furthermore, it is in libraries all across the United States. Uncredited as such, this book is the editorial work of Irwin Edman a noted American academic and philosopher active in the first half of the twentieth century. Everything here but the body of the texts reproduced is his work. The preface and the introduction to each ancient author is written by him and will be of help to those who are not familiar with these writers of antiquity. Also, interspersed are three chapters of Walter Pater's novel, "Marius the Epicurean." Pater was a famous writer on art, and literature from nineteenth century Britain. So, wherein lies the value?

I bought this because I needed a decent older translation of Justin Martyr's "First Apology" for comparative purposes. Also, included are chapters one to nine of "The Dialogue with Trypho" and closing the section on Justin is a translation of the "Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs" which is a short recounting of the trial and martyrdom of Justin and other Christians at Rome. It is believed to be of the time and genuine. Other ancient texts are two dialogues by Lucian of Samosata which are representative of his fine satirical wit, and lastly a complete translation of Marcus Arelius' "Meditations." These are all serviceable translations and very pleasant to read. However, the three chapters from Walter Pater represent an aesthetic form of a by gone era that many a modern reader may not appreciate. Pater's three chapters tie the rest of the writings together into a coherent story. One concerns the triumph celebrated at Rome on Marcus Arelius' return from his war with Parthia, the second an intimate family sketch of Arelius, and closing the book is a eucharistic gathering of Christians.

As arranged by Edman there is a logical flow to the materials within the book. They sort of form a confection meant to represent the era of Marcus Arelius. All the characters named in Pater's chapters are the historically correct persons for the fancied occasions. And, herein lies the problems as well as the greatest additional value that this book may possess. The sub title of the book is telling, "The Transition from Paganism to Christianity." The years in question are one hundred-fifty to one hundred-seventy CE. These were the years of the final parting of the ways between Christianity from Judaism. And, even to pose the notion that these years were part of a Pagan to Christian transitional process is intellectually anachronistic and just plain wrong. Therefore, in whole this book tells us more about the intellectual history of the United States circa 1945 than it does about the past. The Pater recreations are jarringly out of sync with the realities of the Rome that they attempt to describe. For example, the eucharistic scene is that of a fully mitered bishop in all his pomp and luster which is hardly what one would expect in this era at Rome.

This is an historical fairy tale built around ancient writings. And, as this fairy tale was brought to us by "The Classics Club," one would expect that it represents their notion of history as well as what the public ought to be reading. I strongly believe that pipe fitters should read ancient authors if they so wish. However, if this book represents the aesthetic judgments of "our betters" as to what will tame our barbarian souls, it is very dated. If this was the ideal of its day, it is no wonder Terry Eagleton wrote "The Ideology of the Aesthetic." I enjoyed the book because it made me think in unexpected ways. I read the Walter Pater passages and their fifty adjectives for every noun, and they made me cringe. I suggest a library if one wishes to read this book. However, if you wish to reread the ancient writings herein contained off and on over your lifetime, then by all means this book is a bargain.

Marcus Aurelius, like Sun Tzu is a must read throughout ones life. The writings of the Emperor show time and time again that there is nothing new in this world but the history that you do not know. Be patient reading this book. There are a few websites that one can visit for help understanding some of his thoughts.. Great read..

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