In this new English version of the most elegant of the Roman
historians, the object of the translator has been, to adhere as closely
to the original text as is consistent with the idioms of the respective
languages. But while thus providing more especially for the wants of
the classical student, he has not been unmindful of the neatness and
perspicuity required to satisfy the English reader.
There have been several previous translations of our author, but the
only one now before the public, or deserving of particular mention, is
that by Baker, which is undoubtedly a very able performance, and had it
been more faithful, would have rendered any other unnecessary.
The edition used for the present translation is that published at
Oxford under the superintendence of Travers Twiss, whose carefully
revised text is by far the best extant. The few notes and illustrations
which the limits of an edition in this popular form permit, are chiefly
confined to the explanation of grammatical difficulties. Historical and
antiquarian illustration is now so abundantly supplied by excellent
Manuals and Dictionaries, that it has been deemed unnecessary to swell
the present volumes by additions in that department.
Among the manuals of Roman History which may most advantageously be
used by the student, is Twiss's Epitome of Niebuhr, 2 vols. 8vo, a work
frequently referred to in these pages.
THE
HISTORY OF ROME.