Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius

Boethius (c. 480–525) was a Roman philosopher and statesman, born in Rome around 480 and executed in 524. He served as consul and translated works of Aristotle into Latin, playing an important role in transmitting classical learning to the Middle Ages. The Consolation of Philosophy, written in prison, combines philosophical reflection with literary artistry and meditates on fortune, happiness, and the highest good; it is one of the most influential philosophical works of the Middle Ages, and for this he has been called "the last of the Romans." Three of his works are held in the collection, and his Theological Tractates and Chaucer's English translation also survive, showing the enduring resonance of his thought.