Pliny the Younger. Selected letters

Immersing ourselves in the depths of Pliny the Younger's «Letters» we are captivated by the stylistic elegance and intellectual brilliance that permeate these literary gems. Through these epistles, we gain a vivid and intimate perspective on the material and spiritual lives of the educated elite of his time. These letters offer a unique and invaluable window into the Roman world of the late 1st century AD.
Among the most compelling elements of this collection is the firsthand account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, a cataclysmic event that forever altered the landscape and lives of those in its vicinity. Pliny's graphic and detailed description of the eruption, written to his friend Tacitus, stands as the most comprehensive and reliable record of this natural disaster.
Beyond their historical significance, Pliny's letters reveal a man of profound humanity, compassion, and intellectual curiosity. He engages in thoughtful discussions on a wide range of topics, from philosophy and literature to politics and social issues. His correspondence with Emperor Trajan provides valuable insights into the governance and administration of the Roman Empire during this period.