I've actually read, ' A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy' (William B. Irvine). The book itself is a rather resourceful option for anyone at all curious to understand some of the key most principles behind Stoicism. Professor Irvine, more than likely due to his professorship in Philosophy, delves into the concepts thoroughly with examples and anecdotes (some of which I found him tending to linger a bit long in length of explanation, but they are indeed thorough).
Irvine's introduction (or reintroduction in another sense) of Epictetus' teachings as well as the dissertations of works belonging to Seneca (who ironically wasn't considered a major figure of Stoic practice even by Romans of his contemporary period, actually gaining notoriety in the Renaissance period--even being canonized), all categorize effectively basic ideological adherences in Stoicism.
What actually fascinated me the most was Irvine's insight into Musonius Rufus, a truly prolific figure obscured and shrouded through history's pacing. Considered the "Roman Socrates", Musonius apparently "lived through example", providing in part the livelihood for practicing Stoics and by how one should engage oneself in the larger spectrum in the public and private realm. Before this book, I had never even heard of Musonius Rufus.
Marcus Aurelius' qualities of leadership and abdication of virtuosity are the key factors Irvine focuses on. What has always been a profound notion to reflect upon for me is the scale of challenges, hardships, and overall scale of duty Marcus had to undergo--plagues, invasions, economic turmoil, etc.--during his reign in contrast to any minor "hardships" and "troubles" I have ever dealt with. Truly, I have nothing even remotely similar to complain over in any sense when placed against such a reality!
Overall, the book is definite recommendation for anyone (regardless if a Stoic or not) to read in order to become more knowledgeable of Stoicism in practice as well as understanding what principle concepts in Stoicism continue to render themselves into our daily perceptions of reality.
