The Elder Pliny on the Human Animal:Natural History Book 7: Natural History

Pliny (the Elder.)

Clarendon Press, Mar 17, 2005 - Literary Collections - 515 pages

As a detailed study of the human animal, described by its author as the raison d'etre of nature, Book Seven of the elder Pliny's Natural History is crucial to the understanding of the work as a whole. In addition, however, it provides valuable insight into the extraordinary complex of ideas and beliefs current in Pliny's era, many of which have resonances for other eras and cultures. The present study includes a substantial introduction examining the background to Pliny's life, thought, and writing, together with a modern English translation, and a detailed commentary which emphasizes the importance of Book Seven as possibly the most fascinating cultural record surviving from early imperial Rome.

About the author

Mary Beagon is Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, University of Manchester.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Elder Pliny on the Human Animal:Natural History Book 7: Natural History; Clarendon Ancient History Series; Book 7 of Natural history
• Author: Pliny (the Elder.)
• Editor: Mary Beagon
• Translated by: Mary Beagon
• Compiled by: Mary Beagon
• Publisher: Clarendon Press, 2005
• ISBN: 0198150652, 9780198150657
• Length: 515 pages
• Subjects: Fiction / General; Literary Collections / Ancient & Classical; Literary Criticism / Ancient & Classical; Literary Criticism / General; Science / Environmental Science