The Wisdom of Ancient Rome

The Wisdom Of series presents the essence of the world's great religions and cultures in the words of the sages and the images of master artists andphotographers.

Each of the handsomely designed, richly illustrated volumes in this uplifting new series is devoted to the ageless teachings of one of the world's major religions or cultures. Excerpts from the most eloquent practitioners of the religion--be they poets, philosophers, or spiritual leaders--are paired with evocative images, whether paintings, sculptures, or photographs. The volume on Judaism, for instance, is illustrated with paintings by Marc Chagall. Details of Pompeiian frescoes grace the pages of the volume on Ancient Rome. The words of the Buddha are accompained by images that depict important events in his life. The teaching of Jesus are paired with illuminations from the 15th-centuryBook of Hours of the duc de Berry.

The introduction to each volume provides a concise summary of the basic tenets of the religion or culture and discusses its relevance to our lives today; the philosophy ofreconciliation at the heart of the Tao; the Ancient Greeks' continuous and manifold investigation of the world; the reworking, transforming, and "uplifting" of Nature aspracticed by the followers of Islam.

As aesthetically pleasing as they are inspiratonal, the books in the The Wisdom Of series offers spiritual guidance and advice for all readers, whatever their personal beliefsmay be.

Other Details:22 full-color illustrations56 pages4 1/4 x 4 1/4"Published 1996

Despite the nuances and divergences distinguishing the various schools of thought in ancient Rome, a common inspiration runs throughout their philosophical texts. They are fired by the idea of Nature, which represents the entire universe in a state of perfection.