This volume collects all the remaining essays by Seneca not already published in the series [Consolato ad Marciam (Hine), Consolato ad Polybium (Hine), Consolato ad Helviam (Williams), De otio (Williams), Brevitate (Williams), De tranquillitate animi (Fantham), De constantia (Ker), De providentia (Ker), De vita beata (Ker)]. In general, these pieces are intended to edify. They range from consolations to essays on how to achieve happiness or tranquility in the face of a difficult world. Many are quite popular in undergraduate philosophy courses. Fantham's translation is the jewel in the crown."

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4BCE-65CE) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, dramatist, and advisor to the Emperor Nero.