Customer Reviews

Letters and Panegyricus I, Books 1-7 (Loeb Classical Library)

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Pliny the Younger's letters offer a glimpse into the political and literay life of Rome at the height of her power. Included in the letters are two riveting accounts of the erruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and Pliny the Younger's correspondance with the likes of Suetonius and the Emperer Trajan. A beautifully made book with both English and the original Latin.

As a university graduate in Ancient Roman history, I particularly love Pliny's letters for the insight they provide on a wide range of issues from the Ancient world. However one must take care when purchasing this Loeb - Pliny wrote 10 books of letters and a panegyricus, but this edition ONLY contains the first 7 books of his letters! There is a second edition with the last 3 books and his panegyric which can be purchased seperately. It is the 10th book which was published after Pliny's death that contains his correspondances with the Emperor Trajan. And just to set the record straight (see below), it was the Elder Pliny (This Pliny's uncle and adopted father) who was present at the eruption of Mt Vesuvius, and he died there. The Younger Pliny's account of this therefore should be read with caution. The Younger Pliny was at Misenum at the time of the eruption in AD79 and was approximately 17 years old then.

Pliny is one of my favourite ancient authors - it is a pleasure to read his work.

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.