Memoirs of Hadrian, Marguerite Yourcenar, 1951

"Memoirs of Hadrian" written by Marguerite Yourcenar folio edition summary of the work The Memoirs of Hadrian are a reflection on power. Hadrian rejects Trajan's art of governing which is based on authority, war and conquest. As a humanist, he prefers a reign based on moderation and pacifism, while worrying about the violence necessary and inherent in the exercise of power.