Pliny's Natural History is an astonishingly ambitious work that ranges from astronomy to art and from geography to zoology. Mingling acute observation with often wild speculation, it offers a fascinating view of the world as it was understood in the first century AD, whether describing the danger of diving for sponges, the first water-clock, or the use of asses' milk to remove wrinkles. Pliny himself died while investigating the volcanic eruption that destroyed Pompeii in AD 79, and the na...

According to Pliny's definition, Natural History is a book about the natural world or life. It is the first encyclopedic work in history and a model for later encyclopedias. It is also the largest single work to have survived from the Roman Empire to the modern days. In this book, Pliny covers topics including astronomy, mathematics, geography, ethnography, anthropology, human physiology, zoology, botany, agriculture, horticulture, pharmacology, mining, mineralogy, sculpture, art, and prec...

Caius Plinius Secundus was born either at Verona or Novum Comum1, now Como, in Cisalpine Gaul, in the yearA.U.C. 776, and A.D. 23. It is supposed that his earlier years were spent in his native province; and that he was still a youth when he removed to Rome, and attended the lectures of the grammarian Apion. It was in about his sixteenth year that he there saw Lollia Paulina, as in the following she was divorced by Caligula, and it was probably in his twentieth that he witnessed the captur...

The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder’s encyclopaedic ‘Natural History’, composed in 37 books, remains an unrivalled compendium of Roman knowledge. Delphi’s Ancient Classics series provides eReaders with the wisdom of the Classical world, with both English translations and the original Latin texts. This comprehensive eBook presents Pliny’s complete extant works, with beautiful illustrations, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1)* Beaut...

Pliny the Elder's Natural History is a vast encyclopaedia, surveying natural phenomena from cosmology to biology, medicine to magic. Direct observation, informed speculation and common knowledge are combined to present a key snapshot of ancient thought and the Romans' perspective on the world around them.Book VII of The Natural History provides a detailed examination of the human animal and is crucial to understanding the work as a whole. In Pliny's eyes, mankind ...

In "The Natural History of Pliny (Vol. 1-6)", Pliny the Elder offers an unparalleled compendium that encapsulates the breadth of ancient knowledge and inquiry. Written in the 1st century CE, this monumental work spans various disciplines, including astronomy, geography, botany, and zoology, employing a meticulous yet narrative-driven style that reflects the Roman quest for understanding the natural world. Pliny's organizational structure of books—ranging from cosmology to the properties of...

In 'The Natural History of Pliny' (Vol. 1-6), Pliny the Elder presents an expansive and systematic exploration of the natural world, melding empirical observation with a philosophical perspective. This monumental work, composed in the first century AD, serves as one of the earliest encyclopedias, encompassing a vast array of topics from astronomy to botany, geography to zoology. Pliny's literary style is characterized by its encyclopedic ambition and meticulous detail, offering insights en...

An enriching collection of classical writings about how ancient Romans made—and thought about—moneyAncient Romans liked money. But how did they make a living and sometimes even become rich? The Roman economy was dominated by agriculture, but it was surprisingly modern in many ways: the Romans had companies with CEOs, shareholders, and detailed contracts regulated by meticulous laws; systems of banking and taxation; and a wide range of occupations, from merchant and...

Old Greek Folk Stories Told Anew by Josephine Preston Peabody is a collection of retold Greek myths and folk stories written during the late 19th century. This work seeks to revive and present ancient tales that capture the joys, sorrows, and moral lessons inherent in human experience, drawing upon characters and narratives from Greek mythology that remain influential in literature and culture. At the start of this collection, Peabody sets the stage for the enchanting tales ahead, emphasiz...

The Classics of Ancient Rome: 30+ Masterpieces of Latin Literature is a meticulously edited anthology that encapsulates the essence of Roman thought, culture, and artistry. Capturing the epochs of Rome from its mythic foundation to the height of its imperial power, this collection traverses an array of literary styles—from epic poetry and philosophical treatises to historical chronicles and satirical prose. The diversity and magnitude of these works highlight the intellectual and creative ...

In the second volume of Pliny the Elder's comprehensive encyclopedia, "The Boys and Girls Pliny," readers embark on an extraordinary journey through the natural world. From the depths of the ocean to the celestial heights, Pliny meticulously documents the wonders of the ancient world. With his keen eye for detail and insatiable curiosity, he unravels the mysteries of animals, plants, minerals, and celestial phenomena. Prepare to be captivated by Pliny's vivid descriptions and insights as h...

In the annals of natural history, Pliny the Elder's "The Boys and Girls Pliny" stands as a timeless masterpiece. This comprehensive encyclopedia, written in the 1st century AD, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient world's understanding of the natural world. From the wonders of the cosmos to the intricacies of human anatomy, Pliny's work is a testament to the insatiable curiosity and meticulous observation of its author. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the r...