George Long
George Long (1800–1879) was an English classical scholar and translator known for his translation of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. Born in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, England, Long was educated at Macclesfield Grammar School before attending Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated with high honors in Classics. He became a fellow of the college and later held the position of Professor of Ancient Languages at the University of Virginia in the United States.
Long's academic career was distinguished by his deep knowledge of Latin and Greek, and he contributed to various classical texts and dictionaries. His translation of 'Meditations' has been celebrated for its clarity and faithfulness to the original text, making the philosophical ideas of Marcus Aurelius accessible to a broader English-speaking audience. His work helped to popularize Stoic philosophy and influenced the Victorian and modern perceptions of Marcus Aurelius as a philosopher king.
Besides his work on 'Meditations,' George Long was involved in numerous literary and historical projects. He was instrumental in the early years of the Royal Geographical Society, and his contributions to classical scholarship and education have left a lasting legacy in the fields of history and philosophy.