Livy: Ab urbe condita Book XXII

Treats a compelling narrative of two of history's most famous battles, and assists translation and literary and historical appreciation.

John Briscoe (Edited by), Simon Hornblower (Edited by)

9781108727082, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 October 2020

320 pages, 4 maps
21.5 x 13.6 x 2.1 cm, 0.47 kg

'… a highly independent, standard-setting commentary work …' Ann E. Killibrew, Historische Zeitschrift

Livy's Ab urbe condita Book XXII narrates Hannibal's massive defeats of the Romans at Trasimene (217 BC) and Cannae (216 BC). It is Livy's best and most dramatic book, and the one most likely to appeal to students at every level. Livy drew on the Greek historian Polybius, but transformed his drier treatment into a rhetorical masterpiece, which by a series of insistent thematic contrasts brings out the tensions between the delaying tactics of Fabius and the costly rashness of Flaminius, Minucius and Varro. A substantial and accessibly written introduction by two experienced commentators covers historical, religious, literary and linguistic matters, including the place of Book XXII in the structure of Livy's long work. A new text by Briscoe is followed by a full commentary, covering literary and historical aspects and offering frequent help with translation. The volume is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, teachers, and scholars.

Introduction
1. Livy's life and work
2. Course of the war
3. Sources
4. Structure
5. Chronology
6. Language and style
7. Literary aspects
8. Religion in Livy
9. Roman politics and Fabian strategy
10. Manpower
11. The text
Livy Book XXII
Commentary.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]