Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature

Lucius Annaeus Seneca · Julius Caesar · Boethius · Horace · Plutarch · Apuleius · Virgil · Persius · Terence · Ammianus Marcellinus · Sallust · Juvenal · Lucan · Suetonius · Tibullus · Tacitus · Petronius · Cornelius Nepos · Lucretius · Martial · Catullus · Cicero · Claudian · Pliny the Younger · Saint Augustine of Hippo · Plautus · Ennius · The Metamorphoses · Augustus · Quintilian

Nov 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature embodies a monumental journey back to the zenith of Roman thought, encapsulating an era that shaped the edifice of Western civilization. This anthology spans a rich mosaic of genres—from the stirring orations of Cicero, through the epic poetry of Virgil, to the introspective confessions of Saint Augustine. The collection astutely curates works that demonstrate the Romans' intricate understanding of human nature, politics, and the cosmos, ensuring readers encounter the full spectrum of Roman literary artistry. Standout pieces vividly etch the contours of the Roman psyche, providing a panoramic view of an empire at the intersection of the mundane and the sublime. The assembled authors, ranging from the philosophical musings of Seneca to the historical accounts of Tacitus and Suetonius, collectively embody the diversity and depth of Roman literature. Their backgrounds, spanning various echelons of Roman society, reflect a period replete with groundbreaking shifts in artistic expression, philosophical thought, and political discourse. This anthology not only aligns with but also elucidates the cultural and literary movements that defined Roman antiquity. By presenting works that engage with Stoicism, Epicureanism, and the nascent Christian philosophical tradition, it reveals how these literary giants grappled with universal questions through the prism of their time. For anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the foundational texts of Western literature, Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature offers an unparalleled opportunity. Readers are invited to traverse the intellectual landscapes of Rome, experiencing firsthand the dialogues that animated its streets and the poetry that immortalized its values. This collection is an indispensable resource for both the seasoned scholar and the curious novice, promising not just a deeper understanding of Roman life and thought, but also a profound exploration of themes that continue to resonate today.

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca, commonly known as Seneca the Younger, was a distinguished Roman philosopher, statesman, and playwright, who played a critical role in the development of Roman Stoicism, an influential branch of Hellenistic philosophy. Born around 4 BCE in Corduba, in the Roman province of Hispania, Seneca was raised in Rome and received an education that was rich in literature and philosophy. His thought was deeply infused with Stoic principles, emphasizing ethics, virtue, and self-control. Seneca's literary corpus includes philosophical essays, such as 'Letters to Lucilius', a series of moral epistles; 'Moral Epistles', wherein he discusses Stoic philosophy and practical ethics; as well as tragedies that delve into human emotions and the stark realities of existence, like 'Thyestes' and 'Phaedra'. Seneca served as an advisor to Emperor Nero and was a prominent figure in Roman politics until his ordered suicide in 65 CE, a repercussion of his alleged involvement in a conspiracy. His works offer profound insights into the human condition and continue to be studied for their rhetorical brilliance and ethical profundity. Seneca's influence extends beyond philosophy into the realms of literature and psychology, where his examinations of inner life remain poignant. The compilation 'Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature' includes discussions of Seneca's contributions and underlines his significance in the canon of classical literature. Seneca's writings have endured through centuries, reflecting the timelessness of his Stoic wisdom and the universality of his reflections on human life.