Customer Reviews

Letters, Volume II: Books 8-10. Panegyricus (Loeb Classical Library)

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His actual name is Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus. Gotta love those Roman names. I bought all of Pliny's letters because they offer a terrific insight into daily life in ancient Rome. Plus they read so easily. The Loeb translation is by far the best. Reading these letters is like reading a letter you might write to someone today. His prose are translated with a modern twist, but true to form. Of course, the Loeb books also give you the original Latin text on one side of the sheet as well. Pliny wrote about the eruption of Vesuvius from a first hand account. He was on a boat and witnessed the eruption then wrote about it as it was happening. Very cool. Pliny wanted to create a distinctly different type of literature with these letters. They are individually based on events of the times, but without abstractions like many of the other letter writers of the time (namely Seneca). He was successfully able to do this by creating a picture of his times with his words. He writes about philosophy, slavery, Trajan, Rome, literature, the Senate, and all of his friends (namely Tacitus and Seutonius). All of which are very interesting and Loeb has arranged them in a way so they are easy to follow. This series of Pliny's letters culminates into Book X which are all of his letters to the emperor Trajan. Trajan had called upon Pliny to govern the province of Bithynia-Pontus. The letters are very important in understanding how Rome governed the provinces. They are also some of the earliest writings on Christianity in the provinces.

This is not the sort of book that most readers would purchase for their coffee tables. However, for someone engaged in research who needs access to primary sources, the Loeb Classical Library is an indispensable tool. I'm working on a book that deals with the reign of Trajan, and Pliny's Panegyric to that emperor is crucial for understanding his policies, his desired public image, and his relationship with the Senate. This isn't the sort of volume that you generally find on the shelves at your local Waldenbooks, which is why I appreciate the convenience and prompt service of an Amazon order; even the most abstruse book can usually be on my doorstep in a few days.