Selected Letters of Cassiodorus: A Sixth-Century Sourcebook

Cassiodorus, a Christian scholar and high-ranking official under Theoderic, King of the Ostrogoths, compiled edicts, diplomatic letters, and legal documents. The Variae, his collection of writings, remains a significant source for the sixth century. The Selected Letters, translated and selected by M. Shane Bjornlie, provides insight into the political culture, legal structure, intellectual and religious worldviews, and social evolution of the late-Roman state. Bjornlie's introduction discusses Cassiodorus' work in civil, legal, and financial administration and his interactions with various individuals. Section notes contextualize each letter and its connection with other letters, offering a window into Cassiodorus' world.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 328 pages
\n Publication date: 08 September 2020
\n Publisher: University of California Press
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Cassiodorus, a renowned Christian scholar of ancient times and a prominent public official serving under Theoderic, King of the Ostrogoths, left an indelible mark on history by compiling a vast array of edicts, diplomatic letters, and legal documents during his tenure. His extensive collection of writings, known as the Variae, remains one of the most valuable sources for the sixth century, a pivotal period in the transition from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages.

Translated and meticulously selected by scholar M. Shane Bjornlie, The Selected Letters offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Cassiodorus. This remarkable compilation gathers the most intriguing evidence from the Variae, providing a profound understanding of the political culture, legal structure, intellectual and religious worldviews, and social evolution during the twilight of the late-Roman state. Bjornlie's invaluable introduction delves into Cassiodorus's remarkable career in civil, legal, and financial administration, shedding light on his interactions with a diverse range of individuals, including emperors, kings, bishops, military commanders, private citizens, and even criminals. Section notes accompany each letter, offering contextual insights and highlighting the themes and connections with other letters, thus providing a window into Cassiodorus's world.

Cassiodorus's contributions to scholarship and governance were truly remarkable, and his writings continue to inspire and inform us today. The Selected Letters serves as a valuable tool for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages.

\n Weight: 338g\n
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780520297340\n \n