Many contemporary readers are just now discovering Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS). It is increasingly being recognised as a foundational text in moral philosophy and in Adam Smith's oeuvre more generally. This is the first companion to guide readers through TMS and uncover what Smith thinks, why he thinks it, why he might be wrong to think it! While Adam Smith is best known for a Wealth of Nations there is a history of seriously misinterpreting this text as an unnuanced celebration of unfettered capitalism. The Theory of Moral Sentiments is a kind of corrective to these naive readings. As such, any serious consideration of Adam Smith's work should also include TMS. John McHugh's guide provides detailed analysis of TMS while never losing sight of the text in the context of Smith's writings and world view more generally. It offers both an introduction to the importance and insight of TMS while also functioning as a great way in to Adam Smith as a philosopher.

The reign of Antoninus Pius is widely seen as the apogee of the Roman Empire yet, due to gaps in the historical sources, his reign has been overlooked by modern historians. He is considered one of the five good emperors of the Antonine dynasty under whom the pax Romana enabled the empire to prosper, trade to flourish and culture to thrive. His reign is considered a Golden Age but this was partly an image created by imperial propaganda. There were serious conflicts in North Africa and Dacia, as well as a major revolt in Britain. On his death the empire stood on the cusp of the catastrophic invasions and rebellions that marked the reign of his successor Marcus Aurelius. Antoninus Pius became emperor through the hand of fate, being adopted by Hadrian only after the death of his intended heir, Lucius Aelius Caesar. His rule was a balancing act between securing his own safety, securing the succession of his adopted heir and denying opportunities for conspiracy and rebellion. Equanimity' was the last password he issued to his guards as he lay on his death bed. In the face of the threats and challenges he remained calm and composed, providing twenty-three years of stability; a calm before the storms that gathered both within and beyond Rome's borders.

Many contemporary readers are just now discovering Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments (TMS). It is increasingly being recognised as a foundational text in moral philosophy and in Adam Smith's oeuvre more generally. This is the first companion to guide readers through TMS and uncover what Smith thinks, why he thinks it, why he might be wrong to think it! While Adam Smith is best known for a Wealth of Nations there is a history of seriously misinterpreting this text as an unnuanced celebration of unfettered capitalism. The Theory of Moral Sentiments is a kind of corrective to these naïve readings. As such, any serious consideration of Adam Smith's work should also include TMS. John McHugh's guide provides detailed analysis of TMS while never losing sight of the text in the context of Smith's writings and world view more generally. It offers both an introduction to the importance and insight of TMS while also functioning as a great way in to Adam Smith as a philosopher.