History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Vol. II

"History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age" by John Colin Dunlop is a historical exploration from the 1800s that captures the growth of writing in Rome, taking readers on a tour from its simple beginnings to the golden era of Augustus. The story focuses on the people and types of writings, like poems and essays, that molded Rome's great books, noting how early Rome and Greece were different in their writing styles, yet both prized poetry originally. Farmers, speakers, and writers like Cato and Varro are presented, showing how their work on farming, speeches, and prose shaped the literary world. The book draws a picture of how society and politics affected the growth of literature, highlighting the role of farming life in shaping Roman values and writings, and teasing how these all shaped the story of Roman literature.