Marcus Aurelius Appraisal

The Harvard Classics: Plato, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius Collection

This item is a bound book, specifically a volume from "The Harvard Classics" series. The visible page is the title page, indicating the book contains "The Apology, Phaedo and Crito of Plato" translated by Benjamin Jowett, "The Golden Sayings of Epictetus" translated by Hastings Crossley, and "The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius" translated by George Long. The entire collection is edited by Charles W. Eliot, LL.D., with Introductions and Notes. The publisher is Grolier Enterprises Corp., located in Danbury, Connecticut. The title page showcases an elaborate decorative border, likely printed in black ink, featuring scrolling acanthus-like foliage and ornate flourishes, adding to its classic aesthetic. The paper appears to be an off-white or cream color, suggesting quality paper stock often used in collected works. The book exhibits a dark red or maroon ribbon bookmark, indicating a thoughtful inclusion for reader convenience and hinting at refined craftsmanship. The binding itself is not fully visible but appears to be a hardcover. There are no significant visible condition issues such as tears, stains, or heavy creasing on the title page, suggesting the book is in good to very good condition. The crispness of the printing and the clean edges of the page support this observation. The style period is consistent with classic literature reprints, likely mid-to-late 20th century, given the publisher and the 'Harvard Classics' series' typical production runs. The quality is indicative of a collected works edition, prioritizing readability and durability for a scholarly or general audience interested in foundational philosophical texts.