Marius the Epicurean by Walter Pater

"Marius the Epicurean" is a philosophical novel that explores the life of Marius, a young Roman, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The narrative follows Marius's intellectual and spiritual development as he navigates the complexities of Roman society, with its intricate blend of paganism and emerging Christianity. The protagonist grapples with existential questions and moral dilemmas, seeking to understand the nature of pleasure, the concept of duty, and the meaning of life. His journey culminates in his conversion to Christianity, symbolizing a shift from sensual pleasure to spiritual fulfillment.

The 1347th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 282

Since this book was first published in 1885, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 282.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.