James Ker

James Ker's The Deaths of Seneca is an engaging, informative, and thought-provoking survey of the reception of the death of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Stoic philosopher and tutor to Nero, in both classical and post-classical periods, and across differing media (history, poetry, art, etc.). While some knowledge of Roman history, ancient philosophy, and Seneca's biography are assumed by the author, the book is extremely accessible to the non-specialist--all quotations from Latin and Greek are translated into English, and Ker's discussion is, while informed and educated, never pedantic or confusing. The book, while focused on the basic discussion of how Seneca's death was shaped by future figures as well as by Seneca himself, allows for interesting digressions, and shows an excellent grasp of the material and the tradition being examined. As a student of Seneca, his Latin, his writing, and his philosophy, I found this book to be enjoyable (without being pandering or simplistic) and extremely informative. Very much recommended.… (more)