The Enchiridion (handbook) of Epictetus is one of the most well-known and best-loved works of ancient Greek literature. Based on the solid theoretical foundation of Stoic thought, this is indeed a highly accessible handbook giving practical advice on how to live a better life. It is as relevant now as ever it was. This pocket-size edition of the classic work is presented in a lucid, jargon-free new translation, with a thought-provoking introduction by contemporary philosopher Matthew Talbert. Typeset with Boatwhistles customary panache, this edition is as elegant as it is engrossing.
Epictetus (c.50c.135 CE) was born into slavery at Hierapolis in what is now western Turkey. Little is known about his early life, but at some point he became disabled (perhaps from birth), and later he was freed from slavery. He lived in Rome until around 93 CE, when the emperor Domitian banished philosophers from the city. Epictetus moved to Nicopolis in Greece, where he founded a school teaching the tenets of Stoicism. His teachings were recorded for posterity by one of his pupils, Arrian. Epictetus lived a long life, with few possessions, always following the principles he espoused.
