PREFACE THE chief purpose of these selections from Livy is to give to college students a better appreciation of the genius and versatility of the historian than can be gained from the reading of a single book or of several books treating a single period. There is also a historical purpose. Chapters have been selected which treat the most important periods or events in the history of Rome which are covered by the remains of Livy's work. These have been found to be in general the most interesting as well as the most significant. It has been thought advisable to include only passages of some length, that is, of several chapters, — giving a complete account of a single period or event, and many isolated chapters of considerable interest have therefore been omitted. The text is that of Weissenborn, revised in part by M. Mueller, with somewhat numerous changes based upon a consideration of the manuscript readings and the suggestions of recent editors and commentators. The introduction is little more than a brief statement of facts, which every student should have in mind while he is reading Livy. The notes are intended to give such assistance and information as the student will find necessary in his independent reading of the text. In the belief that long notes containing a superabundance of illustrative material are often a source of confusion, brevity has always been sought. In referring to Livy, passages included in this book have been used wherever it was possible; passages not included are given in full. With the same idea, that the college undergraduate rarely looks up a reference not contained in the book he is using,-grammatical explanations are given in the notes, reference to grammars being in general omitted. The brief bibliography at the beginning of chapters or groups of chapters is inserted for the convenience of teachers and the possible use of students. In the preparation of the notes, the commentary of the Weissenborn-H. J. Mueller edition has been of constant assistance. Professor Morris of Yale has made many valuable suggestions. To Professor Morgan of Harvard I am indebted more than I can say; he has read the manuscript carefully, and his many scholarly suggestions have been gratefully accepted. DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, October, 1904. HARRY EDWIN BURTON. |
