Boëthius lived from 480 to 526 in Rome under king Theodoric the Goth. He was a well to do and a highly educated man. He had been Consul and Magister Officiorum, and during his life he translated and wrote sofisticated books on philosophy and other subjects, which were read during ages thereafter. The Consolatio Philosophiae he wrote in prison, when he had been falsely accused of high treason and later put to death.

Though he was a Christian there's no reference to Jesus or the Bible in his book, only his belief in one God shows he is a Christian. There is a lot of reference though to phylosophy and the old mythical world. Lady Philosophy and Fortuna (and also the muzes that inspire him to write the first poem) are figuring in the book, but clearly meant to be symbolical.

In the book the main character, mister B., is also imprisoned and sentenced to death because of alleged high treason. He is very sad about his misfortune and losing all his property. He is being visited by a non earthly woman, Lady Philosophy. She has a very long talk with him, with the intention to "cure" him from his "metal desease", as she defines his sad condition, by administering to him curing and consoling philosophic reasoning.

• The Consolation of Philosophy, Cooper translation
• Consolatio Philosophiae, Latin text with notes
• Page containing a comprehension of the Consolation
• Short biografy of Boëthius

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