Sallust is a uniquely accessible author among Roman historians because he uses standard vocabulary and uncomplicated syntax. Unlike other Roman historians whose subject matter was a distant past, Sallust writes about events that occurred in his lifetime. His roller-coaster career afforded him the vantage point of an outsider from which to critique the inner mechanisms of contemporary Roman politics.

Selections include character sketches, conspiracy and its betrayal, ethnography, a political speech, and a description of a lavish banquet. This Reader gives attention to Sallust’s distinctive style, but also places emphasis on general structures to nurture comprehension and appreciation of Latin prose as a distinct—and majestic—art form in its own right.

Features:

Introduction to Sallust’s life, work, and style
597 lines of unadapted Latin text from Sallust’s Bellum Catilinae  3.3–4.5, 4.3–5.8, 5.1–8,15, 22–25, 27.2–29, 40–41, 53–54,60–61; Bellum Iugurthinum 6­–7, 17–19, 84–86.3; and Historiae 2.70
Grammatical and historical notes at the back
2 maps and 4 photographs
Complete end vocabulary

Reviews

Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers is a seminal source of materials for the study of Latin. Two of their newest contributions include John Henderson's A Plautus Reader: Selections from Eleven Plays (97808651666943, $19.00) and Victoria E. Pagan's A Sallust Reader: Selections from Bellum Catilinae, Bellum Iugurthinum, and Historiae (9780865166875, $19.00). The comedic playwright Plautus and the Roman historian Sallust are significant in studying the culture and history of Rome and serve as ideal sources in the study of Latin for modem students. Enhanced with grammatical and historical notes, maps and photos, and vocabulary, both A Plautus Reader and A Sallust Reader will prove invaluable additions to personal, professional, and academic library Latin Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Wisconsin Bookwatch: February 2010
The Language Studies Shelf