Mock trial―Roman style.

Roman secondary education aimed principally at training future lawyers and politicians. Under the late Republic and the Empire, the main instrument was an import from Greece: declamation, the making of practice speeches on imaginary subjects. There were two types of such speeches: controversiae on law-court themes, suasoriae on deliberative topics. On both types a prime source of our knowledge is the work of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a Spaniard from Cordoba, father of the distinguished philosopher. Towards the end of his long life (?55 BC–?AD 40) he collected together ten books devoted to controversiae (some only preserved in excerpt) and at least one (surviving) of suasoriae. These books contained his memories of the famous rhetorical teachers and practitioners of his day: their lines of argument, their methods of approach, their idiosyncrasies, and above all their epigrams. The extracts from the declaimers, though scrappy, throw invaluable light on the influences that colored the styles of most pagan (and many Christian) writers of the Empire. Unity is provided by Seneca’s own contribution, the lively prefaces, engaging anecdotes about speakers, writers, and politicians, and brisk criticism of declamatory excess.

About the Author

Michael Winterbottom is the Corpus Christi Professor of Latin Emeritus at Oxford University.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We specialize in used and out of print books, in the areas of Theology, Biblical Studies, Church History, Western Philosophy, and Classics.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Wynndos Booksellers Inc.
199 West 8th Ave, Suite 1, Eugene, OR, 97401, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

If a buyer is dissatisfied, they may return their purchase within a reasonable amount of time, and a refund will be issued upon receipt of the item in its original condition.

For additional payment options, contact us at windowsbk@academicbooks.com

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	6 to 30 business days	3 to 7 business days
First item	US$ 7.50	US$ 11.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment Methods

Add to Wants

Items related to Declamations, Volume II [Loeb Classical Library, 464]

Declamations, Volume II [Loeb Classical Library, 464]

Seneca the Elder; Michael Winterbottom, trans

Used - Hardcover

About this Item

Bibliographic Details

About this title

Synopsis