The Consolation of Philosophy Revised Edition

by Boethius, Ancius; Watts, Victor; Watts, Victor; Watts, Victor

• ISBN13: 9780140447804
• ISBN10: 0140447806
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-05-01
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Consolation of Philosophy

ISBN: 9780140447804

The Consolation of Philosophy by Ancius Boethius is a timeless classic that has been a cornerstone of philosophical thought for centuries. This book is a dialogue of alternating prose and verse between the ailing prisoner and his 'nurse' Philosophy. It's a deeply personal and profound exploration of the nature of fortune and happiness, good and evil, fate and free will.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in philosophy and classics courses at the college and university levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of philosophy and literature, including professionals looking to explore the historical context of philosophical ideas.

History and Editions

The Consolation of Philosophy has been around for over 1,500 years, with the first edition written by Boethius during his imprisonment in the 6th century. The Penguin Classics edition, which we are focusing on, was published in 2000 and has been a staple in educational institutions ever since. This edition includes a revised translation by Victor Watts, who provides an insightful introduction that contextualizes Boethius' work within both ancient and modern philosophical traditions.

Author and Other Works

Ancius Boethius (c. A.D. 480-524) was a Roman philosopher and statesman who is considered one of the last authentic representatives of the classical world. His translations of Aristotle's works played a crucial role in preserving Greek philosophy in the West. Boethius' other notable works include his commentaries on Aristotle's logic and his theological treatises.

Victor Watts, the translator of this edition, read Classics and English at Merton College Oxford. He is Master of Grey College and part-time Senior Lecturer in the School of English and Linguistics at Durham University.

Key Features

• Dialogue Format: The book is structured as a dialogue between the prisoner and Philosophy, making it an engaging and accessible read.
• Philosophical Insights: It offers profound insights into the nature of fortune, happiness, good and evil, fate, and free will.
• Historical Context: Provides a unique window into the philosophical debates of the ancient world.
• Educational Value: A valuable resource for students of philosophy, classics, and literature.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780140447804
• Ebook: Available through various digital platforms (ISBNs may vary)
• Other Editions:
• Published by Penguin Classics, 1999 (ISBN 10: 0140447806 / ISBN 13: 9780140447804) [3]
• Published by Penguin Classics, 2003 (ISBN 13: 9780140447804) [4]

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Publication Date: May 1, 2000
• Number of Pages: 192
• Language: English
• Item Weight: 0.45 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.06 x 7.74 x 0.45 inches

Other Editions and Formats

• Revised Edition (2000): This is the edition we are focusing on, which includes a revised translation by Victor Watts.
• Paperback Edition (1999): Available through various retailers, with a slightly different page count (155 pages) [3].
• Ebook Edition (2003): Available through various digital platforms [4].

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for The Consolation of Philosophy, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Ancius Boethius (c. A.D.480-524) was a Roman philosopher and is considered one of the last authentic representatives of the classical world, in both his life and writings. It is through Boethius' translations that the knowledge of Aristotle has survived in the West.

Victor Watts read Classics and English at Merton College Oxford. He is Master of Grey College and part-time Senior Lecturer in the School of English and Linguistics at Durham University.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. viii
Introduction	p. xi
Introductory	p. xi
Boethius' Life and Writings	p. xiii
The Consolation of Philosophy	p. xxii
The Christianity of Boethius	p. xxxii
The Text	p. xxxv
	p. 3
	p. 22
	p. 47
	p. 85
	p. 116
Bibliography	p. 139
Glossary	p. 143
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.