Title
Man of High Empire: The Life of Pliny the Younger,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Pliny the Younger (c. 60112 C.E.)senator and consul in the Rome of emperors Domitian and Trajan, eyewitness to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, and early 'persecutor' of Christians on the Black Searemains Rome's best documented private individual between Cicero and Augustine. No Roman writer, not even Vergil, ties his identity to the regions of Italy more successfully than Pliny. His individuality can be captured by focusing on the range of locales in which he lived: from his hometown of Comum (Como) at the foot of the Italian Alps, down through the villa and farms he owned in Umbria, to the senate and courtrooms of Rome and the magnificent residence he owned on the coast near the capital.Organized geographically, Man of High Empire is the first fullscale biography devoted solely to the Younger Pliny. Reserved, punctilious, occasionally patronizing, and perhaps inclined to overvalue his achievements, Pliny has seemed to some the ancient equivalent of Mr. Collins, the unctuous vicar of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Roy K. Gibson reveals a man more complex than this unfair comparison suggests. An innovating landowner in Umbria and a deeply generous benefactor in Comum, Pliny is also a consul who plays with words in Rome and dispenses summary justice in the provinces. A solicitous, if rather traditional, husband in northern Italy, Pliny is also a literary modernist in Rome, andmore surprisinglya secret pessimist about Trajan, the 'best' of emperors. Pliny's life is a window on to the Empire at its zenith. The book concludes with an archaeological tour guide of the sites associated with Pliny.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main subject of 'Man of High Empire'? A: The book focuses on the life of Pliny the Younger, a Roman senator and consul, detailing his experiences and contributions during the Roman Empire.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Man of High Empire'? A: The author is Roy K. Gibson, who provides insight into Pliny's complex character and his role in Roman society.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Man of High Empire'? A: The book contains 318 pages, offering a comprehensive biography of Pliny the Younger.
- Q: What type of binding does 'Man of High Empire' have? A: This book is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: When was 'Man of High Empire' published? A: The book was published on March 2, 2020.
- Q: Is 'Man of High Empire' suitable for readers interested in Roman history? A: Yes, the book provides a detailed account of Pliny's life and the historical context of the Roman Empire, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Roman history.
- Q: What kind of insights does the book provide about Pliny the Younger? A: The book reveals Pliny's multifaceted personality, including his roles as a landowner, benefactor, and literary figure, as well as his views on the emperors of his time.
- Q: Does 'Man of High Empire' include any visual aids or maps? A: While the main text focuses on Pliny's biography, the book concludes with an archaeological tour guide of sites associated with Pliny, which may include maps or reference points.
- Q: Is 'Man of High Empire' considered a scholarly work? A: Yes, it is an academic biography that presents thorough research and insights into Pliny's life, making it suitable for both casual readers and scholars.
- Q: Can I purchase 'Man of High Empire' if I prefer to read new books? A: Yes, the item condition is listed as 'New', so you can purchase it confidently knowing you are getting a brand new copy.