Artful Classics
Obvious State Illustrated Classics are bold, artful editions of timeless works by Eliot, Poe, Whitman, Thoreau, Frost, Dickinson, Aurelius, Shakespeare, & more.
What sets the books apart is the design-forward approach: Conceptual, thoughtful illustrations that play with visual puns and irony, complimented by elegant, striking typography.
All art is original and the work of Obvious State Cofounder, Evan Robertson
SPECIAL OFFER 3 Books for $30 Code: 3BOOKS
In Pursuit of Wisdom & Beauty
Obvious State is an independent press co-founded by husband and wife team Nichole and Evan Robertson in 2011.
Our work is inspired by beautiful language that has stood the test of time, witty insights that…
Artful Classics
Obvious State Illustrated Classics are bold, artful editions of timeless works by Eliot, Poe, Whitman, Thoreau, Frost, Dickinson, Aurelius, Shakespeare, & more.
What sets the books apart is the design-forward approach: Conceptual, thoughtful illustrations that play with visual puns and irony, complimented by elegant, striking typography.
All art is original and the work of Obvious State Cofounder, Evan Robertson
SPECIAL OFFER 3 Books for $30 Code: 3BOOKS
In Pursuit of Wisdom & Beauty
Obvious State is an independent press co-founded by husband and wife team Nichole and Evan Robertson in 2011.
Our work is inspired by beautiful language that has stood the test of time, witty insights that strike a chord, poetry that stretches the imagination, and philosophy that prompts critical thinking.
We strive to share wisdom and beauty through tangible, artful objects that spark reflection and joy.
Marcus Aurelius
The Meditations
The Meditationshas long been revered as a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. However, because it was his personal journal, its prose is dense and unorganized. This illustrated, abridged edition brings Aurelius’s wisdom into sharp focus by carefully selecting and reorganizing the passages into twelve thematic chapters, each focusing on a central Stoic principle.
The resulting narrative feels considered and personal, and the thoughtful illustrations enhance the experience, bringing aesthetic beauty to his enduring ideas.