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The collection of Pliny's letters is divided into ten books. His career as a young man is described in the earlier letters, which include tributes to notable figures. Advice is offered to friends, references are given, political support is discussed and Pliny comments on many other aspects of Roman life. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is detailed in two letters in Book Six. They were written to the historian Tacitus, a close friend. Pliny also wrote letters describing the gardens at his country villas. The tenth book contains letters to and from the emperor Trajan. The most famous literary figure to appear in Pliny's letters is his uncle, Pliny the Elder. His nephew provides details of how his uncle worked tirelessly to finish his magnum opus, the Historia Naturalis (Natural History). As heir to his uncle's estate, Pliny the Younger inherited the Elder's large library, benefiting from the acquisition. Pliny's letters about his gardens are the world's oldest sources of the information on how gardens were used in the ancient world and the considerations that went into their design. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

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9781774769195

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"Titus Livius, (64 BC-AD 12 or 59 BC-AD 17) known as Livy, was a Roman historian. He wrote a monumental history of Rome and the Roman people, titled Ab Urbe Condita, ""From the Founding of the City, '' covering the period from the earliest legends of Rome before the traditional foundation in 753 BC, through the reign of Augustus in Livy's own lifetime. Livy was born in Patavium in northern Italy, now modern Padua, but the year of his birth is much debated. In his works, Livy often expresses his deep affection and pride for Patavium, as the city was well known for its conservative values in morality and politics. Livy likely went to Rome in the 30s BC where he spent a large amount of time. During his stay in Rome, he was never a senator nor held a government position. His writings contain elementary mistakes on military matters, indicating that he probably never served in the Roman army. However, he was educated in philosophy and rhetoric. It seems that Livy had the financial resources and means to live an independent life, though the origin of that wealth is unknown. He devoted a large part of his life to his writings, which he was able to do because of his financial freedom."

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