Soon after Nero's accession in 54 CE, his tutor, the philosopher Seneca, addressed to his young pupil an essay called De Clementia in which he offered advice on how to behave in his new role. This is the first full philological edition of the De Clementia in English. It includes the text with apparatus criticus, a new translation, a substantial introduction, and detailed commentary on matters of textual criticism, literary criticism and issues of socio-political, historical, cultural, and philosophical significance. The notes illuminate Seneca's language and thought through extensive citation of parallel passages from his other writings, from those of other imperial Latin authors, and from other relevant texts. The introduction includes discussion of Seneca's life, relationship with Nero, writings, and philosophy; the date, genre, scope, structure, and argument of De Clementia; the concept of clementia; kingship theory in Greek literature and Republican Rome; and the work's afterlife and influence.

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Susanna Braund is Professor of Latin Poetry and its Reception (Canada Research Chair), University of British Columbia.