Author Description
'gaius Pliny Sends Greetings To His Friend Septicius Clarus...' In These Letters To His Friends And Relations, Pliny Provides A Fascinating Insight Into Roman Life In The Period 97 To 112 Ad. Part Autobiography, Part Social History, They Document The Career And Interests Of A Senator And Leading Imperial Official Whose Friends Include The Historians Tacitus And Suetonius. Pliny's Letters Cover A Wide Range Of Topics, From The Contemporary Political Scene To Domestic Affairs, The Educational System, The Rituals And Conduct Of Roman Religion, The Treatment Of Slaves, And The Phenomena Of Nature. He Describes In Vivid Detail The Eruption Of Vesuvius Which Killed His Uncle, And The Daily Routines Of A Well-to-do Roman In The Courts, And At Leisure, Enjoying Rural Pursuits At His Country Estates. In The Introduction To His Lively And Sympathetic New Translation, P.g. Walsh Examines The Background To These Often Intimate And Enthralling Letters. About The Series: For Over 100 Years Oxford World's Classics Has Made Available The Widest Range Of Literature From Around The Globe. Each Affordable Volume Reflects Oxford's Commitment To Scholarship, Providing The Most Accurate Text Plus A Wealth Of Other Valuable Features, Including Expert Introductions By Leading Authorities, Helpful Notes To Clarify The Text, Up-to-date Bibliographies For Further Study, And Much More.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Pliny the Younger’s correspondence serves as a primary historical record, investigating the daily life, political climate, and social structures of the Roman Empire during the late first and early second centuries AD. Pliny, a prominent Roman senator and imperial official, authored these letters to various friends and associates, including notable historians like Tacitus and Suetonius. The collection functions as both an autobiographical account and a social history, documenting the professional responsibilities and private interests of the Roman elite. By examining these documents, readers gain insight into the administrative, religious, and domestic realities of the period between 97 and 112 AD.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Detailed accounts of Roman political and judicial proceedings.
- Observations on the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and natural phenomena.
- Insights into the Roman educational system and religious rituals.
- Descriptions of domestic life, slavery, and leisure activities on country estates.
Scope Limits
- The text is limited to the perspective of the Roman senatorial class and does not provide a comprehensive view of the lower social strata.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and historians regard this collection as a foundational source for understanding the administrative and social nuances of the Roman Empire. Readers frequently note that the prose remains accessible while providing significant depth for those studying the classical period.
Page Count:
432
Publication Date:
2006-01-01
Publisher:
Oup Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191517526
ISBN-13:
9780191517525
Biography
History
Letters
Social History
Roman Empire
Community Tags
Similar Books
