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The Letters of Cassiodorus Being A Condensed Translation Of The Variae Epistolae Of Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator   By: (487?-585?)

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The Letters of Cassiodorus, written by Senator Cassiodorus, is a remarkable collection of correspondences that provides valuable insights into the political, cultural, and religious milieu of late antiquity. This condensed translation of the Variae Epistolae offers a highly accessible rendition of Cassiodorus' extensive body of work, allowing readers to delve into the fascinating world of the sixth-century Roman Empire.

One of the standout features of this book is its meticulous translation by an anonymous scholar. The language used is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow the complex ideas and themes presented in the letters. While maintaining the essence of the original text, the translator strikes a delicate balance between fidelity to the source material and ensuring a smooth reading experience.

The content of the letters is diverse and covers a wide range of topics, providing a unique perspective on the events unfolding during Cassiodorus' time. From the advice given to his political allies to discussions on theology and religious matters, the letters shed light on the intellectual landscape of the period. Readers interested in understanding the complex relationship between the secular and the religious will find great value in Cassiodorus' reflections on the role of Christianity in the late Roman Empire.

Another strength of this book lies in the comprehensive introduction provided by the editor. This introduction contextualizes Cassiodorus' letters within the historical framework of the sixth century, offering readers a thorough understanding of the political and social context in which these correspondences were written. Moreover, the editor provides a concise yet informative biography of Cassiodorus, allowing readers to grasp the background and motivations of this influential figure better.

However, one criticism of this book is the lack of footnotes or annotations. While the translation itself is commendable, some readers may miss additional context or explanations that could have been provided through accompanying notes. A more extensive scholarly apparatus would have enriched the reading experience by elucidating references, clarifying historical events, or highlighting any interpretive challenges posed by the letters.

In conclusion, The Letters of Cassiodorus is a significant contribution to the study of late antiquity, offering readers a condensed yet insightful glimpse into the world of Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator. The careful translation, combined with the comprehensive introduction, makes this book a valuable resource for scholars and non-specialists alike. Despite the absence of detailed annotations, this work remains an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the political, cultural, and religious climate of the sixth century Roman Empire.

First Page:

THE LETTERS OF CASSIODORUS

HODGKIN

Oxford

PRINTED BY HORACE HART, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY

THE

LETTERS OF CASSIODORUS

BEING

A CONDENSED TRANSLATION OF THE VARIAE EPISTOLAE OF MAGNUS AURELIUS CASSIODORUS SENATOR

With an Introduction

BY

THOMAS HODGKIN

FELLOW OF UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON; HON. D.C.L. OF DURHAM UNIVERSITY AUTHOR OF 'ITALY AND HER INVADERS'

LONDON: HENRY FROWDE AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

1886.

[ All rights reserved ]

PREFACE.

The abstract of the 'Variae' of Cassiodorus which I now offer to the notice of historical students, belongs to that class of work which Professor Max Müller happily characterised when he entitled two of his volumes 'Chips from a German Workshop.' In the course of my preparatory reading, before beginning the composition of the third and fourth volumes of my book on 'Italy and Her Invaders,' I found it necessary to study very attentively the 'Various Letters' of Cassiodorus, our best and often our only source of information, for the character and the policy of the great Theodoric. The notes which in this process were accumulated upon my hands might, I hoped, be woven into one long chapter on the Ostrogothic government of Italy. When the materials were collected, however, they were so manifold, so perplexing, so full of curious and unexpected detail, that I quite despaired of ever succeeding in the attempt to group them into one harmonious and artistic picture... Continue reading book >>




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