The Encheiridion of Epictetus and its Three Christian Adaptations: Transmission and Critical Editions

Epictetus’ Encheiridion , which was composed by his pupil Arrian with the purpose of giving a comprehensive account of Epictetus’ thought, has been transmitted in many sources. Besides the rich direct tradition there are three Christian adaptations, there is the commentary by the 6th century philosopher Simplicus, and there is the indirect tradition. The most recent critical edition is the edito maior by Johannes Schweighauser (1798), which does not meet the requirements of modern philology. In the first part of this text there is a full account of the transmission of Epictetus’ Encheiridion and the three Christian adaptations, based on all extant manuscripts. The second part of the book contains critical editions of the four texts.