Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II By: Cornelius Tacitus (56-120)
Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II by Cornelius Tacitus is a remarkable historical masterpiece that provides readers with a comprehensive and compelling account of the tumultuous era of the Roman Empire. Spanning more than a decade, Tacitus chronicles the events that unfolded during the tumultuous reigns of four emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. One of the most striking aspects of this work is Tacitus' ability to recreate the political atmosphere of the time and bring it to life for readers. His vivid descriptions of the Roman political landscape, the power struggles, and the ironies of fate provide an intriguing insight into the fragile nature of the empire during this period. Tacitus’ skilled writing transports readers into the political intrigues, military campaigns, and the complex dynamics of Roman society, leaving them captivated throughout. Furthermore, Tacitus exhibits an exceptional talent for character analysis. His portrayal of the flawed and often ruthless Emperors, as well as the other key figures of the time, reveals their ambitions, strengths, and weaknesses. Tacitus deftly explores the moral decay that riddled the highest echelons of power in Rome, as he exposes the greed, deceit, and cruelty that consumed the ruling elite. While this work is undoubtedly intense and demanding, Tacitus' eloquent prose and gripping narrative style make it accessible to both scholars and general readers alike. His ability to seamlessly integrate historical events with his own distinctive literary flair sets this work apart from many other historical accounts of the period. However, it is important to note that Tacitus’ narrative is not without its flaws. His biases as an aristocrat and his strong opinions occasionally overshadow his objective approach, resulting in a skewed perspective on certain events. Critics argue that Tacitus' portrayal of the emperors is too harsh, labeling them as outright villains, when historical context suggests a more complex reality. In conclusion, Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II is an indispensable historical text, offering valuable insights into the tumultuous era of the Roman Empire. Tacitus' vivid storytelling, keen character analysis, and deep understanding of the political climate make this work both engaging and thought-provoking. While it is not without its limitations, this book serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of power and the potential consequences of corruption. Anyone with an interest in Roman history, political intrigue, or deep reflections on human nature should consider adding this work to their reading list. First Page: [Transcriber's note: Footnotes have been renumbered; all references to them use the new numbers. Spellings in the original are sometimes inconsistent. They have not been changed.] TACITUS THE HISTORIES TRANSLATED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY W. HAMILTON FYFE FELLOW OF MERTON COLLEGE IN TWO VOLUMES VOLUME I OXFORD AT THE CLARENDON PRESS 1912 HENRY FROWDE PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD LONDON, EDINBURGH, NEW YORK TORONTO AND MELBOURNE TO D.H.F. 'The cause of undertaking a work of this kind was a good will in this scribling age not to do nothing, and a disproportion in the powers of my mind, nothing of mine owne invention being able to passe the censure of mine owne judgement, much less, I presumed, the judgement of others.... 'If thy stomacke be so tender as thou canst not disgest Tacitus in his owne stile, thou art beholding to one who gives thee the same food, but with a pleasant and easie taste.' SIR HENRY SAVILE (A.D. 1591). CONTENTS VOLUME I INTRODUCTION 5 TEXT: BOOKS I, II 17 VOLUME II TEXT: BOOKS III V 9 INDEX OF NAMES 231 MAPS INTRODUCTION Tacitus held the consulship under Nerva in the year 97... Continue reading book >>

Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II By: Cornelius Tacitus (56-120)

Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II by Cornelius Tacitus is a remarkable historical masterpiece that provides readers with a comprehensive and compelling account of the tumultuous era of the Roman Empire. Spanning more than a decade, Tacitus chronicles the events that unfolded during the tumultuous reigns of four emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian.

One of the most striking aspects of this work is Tacitus' ability to recreate the political atmosphere of the time and bring it to life for readers. His vivid descriptions of the Roman political landscape, the power struggles, and the ironies of fate provide an intriguing insight into the fragile nature of the empire during this period. Tacitus’ skilled writing transports readers into the political intrigues, military campaigns, and the complex dynamics of Roman society, leaving them captivated throughout.

Furthermore, Tacitus exhibits an exceptional talent for character analysis. His portrayal of the flawed and often ruthless Emperors, as well as the other key figures of the time, reveals their ambitions, strengths, and weaknesses. Tacitus deftly explores the moral decay that riddled the highest echelons of power in Rome, as he exposes the greed, deceit, and cruelty that consumed the ruling elite.

While this work is undoubtedly intense and demanding, Tacitus' eloquent prose and gripping narrative style make it accessible to both scholars and general readers alike. His ability to seamlessly integrate historical events with his own distinctive literary flair sets this work apart from many other historical accounts of the period.

However, it is important to note that Tacitus’ narrative is not without its flaws. His biases as an aristocrat and his strong opinions occasionally overshadow his objective approach, resulting in a skewed perspective on certain events. Critics argue that Tacitus' portrayal of the emperors is too harsh, labeling them as outright villains, when historical context suggests a more complex reality.

In conclusion, Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II is an indispensable historical text, offering valuable insights into the tumultuous era of the Roman Empire. Tacitus' vivid storytelling, keen character analysis, and deep understanding of the political climate make this work both engaging and thought-provoking. While it is not without its limitations, this book serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of power and the potential consequences of corruption. Anyone with an interest in Roman history, political intrigue, or deep reflections on human nature should consider adding this work to their reading list.

First Page:

[Transcriber's note: Footnotes have been renumbered; all references to them use the new numbers. Spellings in the original are sometimes inconsistent. They have not been changed.]

TACITUS THE HISTORIES

TRANSLATED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY W. HAMILTON FYFE FELLOW OF MERTON COLLEGE

IN TWO VOLUMES VOLUME I

OXFORD AT THE CLARENDON PRESS 1912

HENRY FROWDE PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD LONDON, EDINBURGH, NEW YORK TORONTO AND MELBOURNE

TO D.H.F.

'The cause of undertaking a work of this kind was a good will in this scribling age not to do nothing, and a disproportion in the powers of my mind, nothing of mine owne invention being able to passe the censure of mine owne judgement, much less, I presumed, the judgement of others....

'If thy stomacke be so tender as thou canst not disgest Tacitus in his owne stile, thou art beholding to one who gives thee the same food, but with a pleasant and easie taste.'

SIR HENRY SAVILE (A.D. 1591).

CONTENTS

VOLUME I

INTRODUCTION 5 TEXT: BOOKS I, II 17

VOLUME II

TEXT: BOOKS III V 9

INDEX OF NAMES 231

MAPS

INTRODUCTION

Tacitus held the consulship under Nerva in the year 97... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
History

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Wikipedia – Cornelius Tacitus
Wikipedia – Tacitus: The Histories, Volumes I and II

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