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Memoirs of Hadrian (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

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Hadrian (HAY-dree-uhn), formally known as Publius Aelius Hadrianus, the Roman emperor. Knowing that his death is fast approaching, Hadrian sets down in the most truthful manner possible the important events of his sixty years, along with his meditations on politics, the arts, and the world. Beginning with his Roman schooling, he sees the beauty of philosophy, grammar, and poetry, and their applicability to human affairs. In Rome, he learns Greek and is thus opened to another world and what he sees as an almost perfect mode of thinking and being. He climbs...

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