Skip to content

The Consolation of Philosophy
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy Paperback - 2000

by Ancius Boethius; Victor Watts (Translator); Introduction by Victor Watts


Summary

‘Why else does slippery Fortune change
So much, and punishment more fit
For crime oppress the innocent?’

Written in prison before his brutal execution in AD 524, Boethius’s The Consolation of Philosophy is a conversation between the ailing prisoner and his ‘nurse’ Philosophy, whose instruction restores him to health and brings him to enlightenment. Boethius was an eminent public figure who had risen to great political heights in the court of King Theodoric when he was implicated in conspiracy and condemned to death. Although a Christian, it was to the pagan Greek philosophers that he turned for inspiration following his abrupt fall from grace. With great clarity of thought and philosophical brilliance, Boethius adopted the classical model of the dialogue to debate the vagaries of Fortune, and to explore the nature of happiness, good and evil, fate and free will.

Victor Watts’s English translation makes The Consolation of Philosophy accessible to the modern reader while losing nothing of its poetic artistry and breadth of vision. This edition includes an introduction discussing Boethius’s life and writings, a bibliography, glossary and notes.

From the publisher

Boethius was an eminent public figure under the Gothic emperor Theodoric, and an exceptional Greek scholar. When he became involved in a conspiracy and was imprisoned in Pavia, it was to the Greek philosophers that he turned. The Consolation was written in the period leading up to his brutal execution. It is a dialogue of alternating prose and verse between the ailing prisoner and his 'nurse' Philosophy. Her instruction on the nature of fortune and happiness, good and evil, fate and free will, restore his health and bring him to enlightenment. The Consolation was extremely popular throughout medieval Europe and his ideas were influential on the thought of Chaucer and Dante. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

From the rear cover

The Consolation of Philosophy is perhaps unique in the nature and extent of its influence on Western thinking.

An eminent public figure under the Gothic emperor Theodoric, Boethius (c. A D 475-525) was also an exceptional Greek scholar and it was to the Greek philosophers that he turned when he fell from favour and was imprisoned in Pavia. Written in the period leading up to his brutal execution, it is a dialogue of alternating prose and verse between the ailing prisoner and his 'nurse' Philosophy, whose instruction on the nature of fortune and happiness, good and evil, fate and free will, restore his health and bring him to enlightenment.

The clarity of Boethius's thought and his breadth of vision made The Consolation of Philosophy hugely popular throughout medieval Europe and his ideas suffused the thought of Chaucer and Dante. This translation makes it accessible to the modern reader while losing nothing of Boethius's poetic artistry and philosophical brilliance.

Details

  • Title The Consolation of Philosophy
  • Author Ancius Boethius; Victor Watts (Translator); Introduction by Victor Watts
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 192
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Group, London
  • Date 2000-05-01
  • Features Bibliography, Glossary, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780140447804 / 0140447806
  • Weight 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.72 x 5.03 x 0.5 in (19.61 x 12.78 x 1.27 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Medieval (500-1453) Studies
  • Library of Congress subjects Happiness, Philosophy and religion
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 00267952
  • Dewey Decimal Code 100

About the author

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.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)

by Boethius, Ancius

  • Used
  • very good
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$5.98
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics. Very Good. Very Good. Ship within 24hrs. Satisfaction 100% guaranteed. APO/FPO addresses supported
Item Price
$5.98
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)

by Boethius, Ancius

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Ships same or next business day
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
1
Seller
tontitown, Arkansas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 3 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$6.19
$3.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics, 1999-05-01. paperback. Ships same or next business day . 5x0x8.
Item Price
$6.19
$3.00 shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

by Ancius Boethius

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.73
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2000. Paperback. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$7.73
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

by Ancius Boethius

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.73
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2000. Paperback. Acceptable. Disclaimer:Former library book; Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$7.73
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

by Ancius Boethius

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
5
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.75
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2000. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$7.75
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

by Ancius Boethius

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
4
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$7.83
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2000. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$7.83
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

by Boethius, Ancius

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
4
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$8.78
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
$8.78
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy : Revised Edition

by Boethius, Ancius

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$8.78
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
$8.78
FREE shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)

by Boethius, Ancius

  • New
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
9
Seller
Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$9.43
$3.99 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics. New. BRAND NEW, GIFT QUALITY! NOT OVERSTOCKS OR MARKED UP REMAINDERS! DIRECT FROM THE PUBLISHER!
Item Price
$9.43
$3.99 shipping to USA
The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin Classics)

by Boethius, Ancius

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780140447804 / 0140447806
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$11.29
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Classics, 1999-05-01. paperback. Used: Good.
Item Price
$11.29
FREE shipping to USA