The Plays of Terence: translated into Parallel English Metres by Terence, (edited & translated by William Ritchie) - 1927

G Bell & Sons Ltd, London, 1927. First Edition. Maroon Cloth. Very Good/No Jacket. gilt titles spine; "As in the case of most Roman writers, our information regarding the life of Terence is very meagre. It is practically all derived from the Life ascribed to Suetonius and given by Donatus, and the authenticity of this Life is of somewhat doubtful character. The statements, which there seems no reason to doubt, are that Terence was a slave from Africa (the Life says Carthagine natus), that he became the property of Terentius Lucanus, that he was educated and afterwards manumitted by his master, and that he was in some way closely connected with Scipio Aemilianus and his friend Laelius. The question of the date of his birth is a very controversial one. The Life states that he died in the consulship of Gneius Cornelius Dolabella and Marcus Fulvius Nobilior (159 s.c.), and in a previous passage speaks of him as leaving Rome on the journey on which he met his death, nondum quintum atque vicesimum ingressus (egl'essus) annum. This latter statement has been very commonly assailed, and the reading trigesimum substituted for vicesimum. The only direct evidence in favour of the earlier date is the statement of Fenestella, quoted in the Life, that Terence was older than Scipio and Laelius (Scipio was born in 185 B.C.) ; but undoubtedly the chief reason why so many prefer to date his birth as earlier than 185 B.C. is the fact that the later date would make him only nineteen at the time of the production of his first play. It seems no doubt hard to credit that a youth of this age should have acquired such proficiency in a foreign language as to rank as a model of purity of style in his works, but the argument is not conclusive. We do not know at what age Terence came to Rome, and the fact of his being educated by his master would seem to indicate an early age."; a sound copy with bright gilt titles; extensive foxing to endpapers & some spotting to covers; 363 pages. N.B. this is a thick & heavy book which, together with protective wrapping, takes its weight above the 1kg. standard quoted rate for post & packing so extra shipping charges will be requested. Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Quantity Available: 1. Category: Theatre & Plays; Latin Plays; Roman Plays; African Writers; Ancient (BC); Literature & Literary. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: PLY00021. .