Sallust: Bellum Catilinae

By Sallust

Book Overview

This is Sallust's text, Bellum Catilinae, in Latin with English introduction and notes. It is intended primarily for use by sixth-formers (upper high / secondary school) and undergraduates. The commentary concentrates on the elucidation of historical points and on the analysis of character and motive, and also explains points of grammar as they arise. The Introduction gives essential information on the life and work of Sallust along with a full explosition of his unique style. A Bibliography and Vocabulary are included.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 090651519X
• ISBN13: 9780906515198
• Release Date: June 1991
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.9" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

A helpful commentary

Sallust's Bellum Catilinae contains the Latin text of Sallust's work on the conspiracy of Catiline along with a concise introduction and commentary by J.T. Ramsey. The introduction begins with a brief overview of the life and works of Sallust, discusses Sallust's contribution to Roman historiography, introduces his general style of writing and has a few words on the textual tradition of the Bellum Catilinae. Ramsey then gives a short account of the conspiracy of Catiline, followed by a timeline of events. Finally, the introduction concludes with an analysis Sallust's narrative. The Latin text is based on the text in Ernout's 1958 Bude edition with a few modifications. The commentary mostly has notes on the grammar and syntax of the text, but also on style and sometimes even discusses questions of textual criticism, it often explains important concepts and, where needed, gives the reader further information on historical matters. The commentary, however, is not at all historical or philological in nature, but rather designed to be of aid to readers who's main concern is to be able to read and understand the Latin text. In my opinion, Ramseys notes do a fine job of this and are generally very helpful. I recommend this book to those who wish to experience the pleasure of reading Sallust in Latin. Ramseys commentary will almost certainly make it an easier task as well as enrich the experience.