Life and Letters in the Fourth Century

Book excerpt: Originally published in 1901, this book examines life in the Roman Empire in the late fourth century through 'the writings of a series of typical men' from the period, focusing on literature rather than scientific writings. Glover analyses the works of Ammianus Marcellinus, Julian, Quintus of Smyrna, Ausonius, Symmachus, Macrobius, Claudian, Prudentius, Sulpicius Severus, Palladas, Synesius and the Confessions of St Augustine. A review of the work of women pilgrims and some Greek and early Christian novels is also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in this often-overlooked period of literary history or in the history of the Late Roman Empire more generally.