Publisher’s Thoughts
It’s one of the most incredible stories in all of history.
A young boy, out of nowhere, is chosen to be the emperor of most of the known world.
What he learned, what he did, who he was, would echo in eternity.
In 138 A.D., Hadrian, the emperor of Rome, chose Marcus Aurelius to succeed him. He knew no one was born ready for the job, so he arranged for the young boy’s education.
The greatest philosophers of the day were assigned to teach him, and all threw themselves at the almost inhuman task of preparing someone for absolute power.
It’s a parable for life, really. The gods, fate, someone chooses something for us, calls us to something. Will we answer? Will we step up? Will we achieve the greatness within us?
Marcus Aurelius did. Absolute power not only didn’t corrupt, it made him better. We marvel at him centuries later–this man who thought he would not be remembered that posthumous fame was worthless–stands today more famous than ever. A hero to millions.
And now, that parable has been illustrated and told for all ages in a new book – The Boy Who Would Be King.
This 100-page book is written by bestselling author Ryan Holiday and illustrated by the illustrious Victor Juhasz. Each page tells the story of Marcus’s rise to power through Ryan’s words and Victor’s illustrations.
Staff Thoughts
“The Boy Who Would Be King” is a beautifully written and illustrated book that introduces young readers to the story of Marcus Aurelius and the ideas of Stoicism. Ryan Holiday is already a well-established author in the world of Stoicism and self-improvement, and this is his first venture into writing specifically for children.
I purchased this book for my children after a significant loss in the family this fall, and together we have read it several times and found some comfort in learning about the timeless principles of Stoicism. The book touches on responsibility, justice, courage, and doing the right thing.
Quotes from Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic leaders are woven into the narrative and illuminated in the pictures on every page. It makes for a good bedtime story, or to read a few pages a day together as we did. It prompted my children and I to have discussions about what the right things are and for them to give examples about how they could practice these values today.
