Latin Biography

Latin Biography, published in 1967, is a collection of chapters on famous Classical biographers such as Nepos, Plutarch, and Suetonius. It also includes accounts of less-known works and the development of Latin biography in the Middle Ages. Despite being superseded by a more critical and scientific approach since the Renaissance, the ancient biographers established biography as a significant literary form.

Format: Hardback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Latin Biography, originally published in 1967, is a comprehensive work that delves into the lives of three renowned Classical biographers: Nepos, Plutarch, and Suetonius. These three individuals are widely recognized as the most accomplished in their field, and their chapters within the book provide valuable insights into their works and contributions. In addition to these prominent figures, Latin Biography also includes accounts of lesser-known authors such as Q. Curtius Rufus and the enigmatic author(s) behind the Historia Augusta. Furthermore, the book explores the development of Latin biography during the Middle Ages, a period that was greatly influenced by the works of Suetonius, Shakespeare, and Gibbon.

While the methods employed by these ancient biographers have been gradually surpassed by a more critical and scientific approach since the Renaissance, it is important to acknowledge their significant role in establishing biography as a major form of literature. The insights and narratives they provided have endured through the ages and continue to be of interest to students of literature and classical studies.

Latin Biography is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the Classical world and the lives of its influential figures. Its comprehensive coverage, coupled with its scholarly approach, makes it an essential read for anyone with an interest in the history and literature of this period.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032609690