The author of The Meditations and Emperor of the Roman Empire is the subject of this comprehensive biography. Meditations is one of my favorite books and this is a worthwhile adjunct for that classic work providing historic and personal background that informs our understanding of Marcus' life and times. ( )

This is a voluminous and well-written account of the philosopher-King Marcus Aurelius. McLynn has a range of comparisons to make, especially with British monarchs, but he fairly addresses Marcus' successes and failures. Despite the importance of Marcus he has not been the subject of as many works as his fame might indicate and this is the first full-length biography about a long admired Emperor that I have read.

McLynn describes in some detail, the philosophy of Stoicism, its limitations, and principal adherents. In giving a sound autobiographical and historical account McLynn details some of Aurelius' triumphs, particularly his success in defeating barbarian tribes in Dacia, or arguably his worst decision, appointing his son, the madman Commodus, as his successor.

Cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_McLynn

Very comprehensive analysis of the stoic emperor. For a great emperor, he was a poor judge of men including his own son Commodus. ( )