Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek[1] as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement
Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor – Donald J. Robertson
Books by Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome - Project Gutenberg
Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius | Project Gutenberg
Credits: J. Boulton and David Widger
gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2680/pg2680.txt
The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus by Marcus Aurelius | Project Gutenberg
Translator: George W. Chrystal
gutenberg.org/cache/epub/55317/pg55317.txt
The Internet Classics Archive | The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius @classics.mit.edu
Translated by George Long
Project Gutenberg offers several public domain translations of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, with the most notable being George Long’s 1862 translation (often formatted by J. Boulton and David Widger) and George W. Chrystal’s 1902 version. Long is recognized for accuracy but archaic language, while Chrystal is seen as more poetic and accessible, notes.
George Long Translation (1862) - Common on Gutenberg
- Style: Victorian, faithful, and precise, but uses archaic English.
- Accuracy: Considered a "standard" translation and highly reliable.
- Gutenberg Contributors: Frequently produced or edited by J. Boulton and David Widger (e.g., eBook #2680).
- Pros/Cons: It is very honest to the original Greek, but can feel stilted for modern readers seeking a smooth read.
George W. Chrystal Translation (1902) - Gutenberg/Foulis
- Style: A revision of the 1742 Foulis translation, it is often praised as more "poetic," elegant, and easier to understand.
- Suitability: Often marketed as a balance between classical dignity and modern readability.
- Pros/Cons: It flows well but may be slightly less literal than Long's in certain passages.
Key Differences and Summary
- Long vs. Chrystal: Long is better for scholars wanting a literal translation. Chrystal is better for beginners seeking readability.
- Other Gutenberg Versions: Occasionally, Meric Casaubon’s 1634 translation is found, which is very archaic, or works produced by editors like J. Boulton who format and update older texts.
- Comparison: Both are free, but users typically find Chrystal more accessible, while Long is a solid, direct translation.
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