Synopses & Reviews
With stylistic brilliance and historical imagination, the first five books of Livy's monumental history of Rome record events from the foundation of Rome through the history of the seven kings, the establishment of the Republic and its internal struggles, up to Rome's recovery after the fierce Gallic invasion of the fourth century B.C. Livy vividly depicts the great characters, legends, and tales, including the story of Romulus and Remus. Reprinting
Robert Ogilvie's lucid 1971 introduction, this highly regarded edition now boasts a new preface, examining the text in light of recent Livy scholarship, informative maps, bibliography, and an index.
Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt with an introduction by Robert Ogilvie.
Synopsis
'I hope my passion for Rome's past has not impaired my judgement; for I do honestly believe that no country has ever been greater or purer than ours or richer in good citizens and noble deeds'
Livy dedicated most of his life to writing some 142 volumes of history, the first five of which comprise The Early History of Rome. With stylistic brilliance, he chronicles nearly 400 years from the founding of Rome to the Gallic invasion in 386 BC, an era that witnessed the establishment of the Republic, unrest and brutal conflict. Bringing compelling characters to life, and re-presenting familiar tales - including the tragedy of Coriolanus and the story of Romulus and Remus - The Early History is a truly epic work, and a passionate warning that a nation should learn from its history.
Translated by Aubrey DE S lincourt with an Introduction by R. M. Ogilvie and a Preface by S. P. Oakley
Synopsis
"This translation first published in 1960"--T.p. verso.
About the Author
Aubrey de Sélincourt, scholar and translator, translated Livy’s The Early History of Rome (Books I—V) and The War with Hannibal (Books XXI—XXX), The Histories of Herodotus and The Campaigns of Alexander by Arrian, all for the Penguin Classics. He was born in 1896 and educated at Rugby, and University College, Oxford. A schoolmaster of genius for twenty-six years, he retired in 1947 to the Isle of Wight, where he lived until his death in 1962.
Table of Contents
Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt with a New Preface by Stephen Oakley Prefatory Note
Introduction
THE EARLY HISTORY OF ROME
Book One
Rome under the Kings
Book Two
The Beginnings of the Republic
Book Three
The Patricians at Bay
Book Four
War and Politics
Book Five
The Capture of Rome
Maps: Latium; Rome
Appendix
Index