All Things Classical

Electronic Version of Paenias’ History of Rome
Concordance to Paenias’ History of Rome. Please use magnifier in your Pdf reader. The text is tiny.

Below is a list of my recommendations for reading between semesters or while on vacation or even during free time. Typically, these works aren't assigned for classes, but their value for understanding philosophy, human nature, and history are inestimable.

1. The Great Conversation: The Substance of a Liberal Education.
by Robert Hutchins

This essay is the introduction to a collection called Britannica Great Books. The collection attempted to gather all those works which best represents the great ideas of western civilization. The introduction explains quite well what western civilization is, how it is unique, and why we should read these works. This essay should be your first read!

2. Plutarch's Life of Alexander and Life of Caesar

Plutarch was a Greek biographer and essayist (among other things) and wrote a series of biographies (46 in all) called the Parallel Lives. As the name suggests, Plutarch paired two great men as ethical examples of character. Since these two are well-known ancient figures. If you like them, move on to the life of Numa Pompilius.

3. Aristotle for Everybody
by Mortimer Adler
Amazon link
Library link

By far one of my favorite books. Dr. Adler wrote this book a while back for his teenage sons. It's an amazingly lucid introduction to Aristotle's philosophy--at least the parts that are relevant for understanding a little bit better how the world works. Most of the book focuses upon definitions, causes and understanding how to categorize the world. I find this information very worthwhile in our day, especially as we are constantly inundated with "spin". Unfortunately, this one is not free. I've linked to the Amazon website and to the library's page, if you want to check it out instead.

4. Consolation of Philosophy
by Boethius

Another must read, in my opinion. Boethius, a fairly powerful and very smart player in late antiquity, finds himself on the losing side of a political power play. He winds up in prison and slated for execution! This work is about how lady philosophy comes to him and explains that power, honor, wealth, glory, property, fame aren't really things we should go for. This is another work that I find particularly valuable for students these days.

5. Epic of Gilgamesh

The oldest literary work in the world. Yes, this is a must read. Interesting how this oldest story focuses on death and the fear of dying.