By J. L. Whiteley, H. E. Gould

Description

Not only will this book enhance Latin skills and increase knowledge of the social and ethical values of ancient Rome, it also exposes the student to Cicero at his most eloquent as he muses on the nature of friendship.

The book includes an introduction that places the work in historical perspective, full vocabulary, biographical index, informative notes, and numerous illustrations.

Translation available from Loeb Classical Library
Cicero
on Old Age
on Friendship
on Divination
English Translation by William Armistead Falconer
ISBN 0-674-99170-2
LOEB Classical Library? is a registered trademark of
the President and Fellows of Harvard College

Comments and Reviews

Cicero writes about his own experience with friendship in a way that anyone can relate to throughout time. After the death of a good friend, Cicero ponders the meaning of this friendship, how he could bear the loss, and explicates his grounds for bereavement. He enumerates what qualities make for good friends, explains what characteristics expose a bad friend, and provides examples from his personal life. He writes this philosophy in the style of early Greek philosophers to get to the bottom of the concept of friendship, while presenting his case straightforward and in a way that that resonates in each of us through human understanding.

This edition of Cicero's work offers a background introductory essay on Cicero's life, times, and works, followed by the body of he full text. At the back of the book are literary notes, vocabulary gloss, and list of proper names that Cicero refers to. There are pictures throughout from wall paintings, vases, and coins that illustrate the imagery Cicero uses to describe his philosophy.

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