The Letters of Symmachus

Quintus Aurelius Symmachus (d. 405) is best known to historians as a champion of pagans against Christian emperors but during his lifetime he was famous for his eloquence which was praised even by his opponents. Salzman (history U. of California-Riverside) and Roberts (Latin Wesleyan U.) find the best surviving example of that eloquence in his 902 extant letters published in 10 volumes. The letters also provide a more nuanced view of the man and his political and social world than otherwise available they say. They present the Latin and the first English translation of the 107 letters in the first volume along with brief introductions date and notes. Annotation 2012 Book News Inc. Portland OR (booknews)