Pliny the Younger: Selected Letters

Jo-Ann Shelton

Jul 2016 · Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers

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The letters of Pliny the Younger contained in this volume provide intermediate and advanced Latin students insight into the political and social life of the early imperial period of Rome. Pliny portrays himself as a generous benefactor to his hometown, a supporter of education, and a patron who promotes the political and literary careers of younger men. His correspondence with Trajan, including the emperor’s responses, documents Pliny’s governorship of the province of Bithynia-Pontus. The letters also reveal more personal aspects of his life, including his relationship with his wife, his views on slavery, and his experiences during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that killed his uncle, Pliny the Elder.

Same- and facing-page commentary helps students to understand both the Latin text and the political, social, and historical context of the letters. Introductions for each letter guide students in understanding and interpreting the text.

Special Features

• Introduction to Pliny’s life and letters

• Unadapted Latin texts of thirty letters with same- and facing-page commentary

• Introductions for each letter

• Genealogical charts

• Three maps

• black-and-white illustrations

• Glossary of proper names

• Index

• Latin to English glossary

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Jo-Ann Shelton is Professor Emerita of Classics at the University of California at Santa Barbara.  She is the author of several books and numerous articles about the culture and society of the ancient Romans.  Her books include As the Romans Did (Oxford University Press, 1998) and The Women of Pliny’s Letters (Routledge, 2012).