Elizabeth Rawson (1934-1988) was a distinguished specialist in the history, society, and culture of the later Roman Republic and Augustan period. First published between 1971 and 1989, her papers cover the workings of human politics and society, historical and antiquarian thinking at Rome, and literary history. The collection offers an essential contribution to the understanding of the central period of Roman history.

"Specialists in Roman history will welcome this collection of thirty-one papers....A fascinating book to dip into, full of curious information."

"What sets [these papers] apart is the quality of thought, or argument, and the range of topics....Rawson had a talent for selecting topics difficult and fascinating--or perhaps it was her talent to turn the subjects she had selected into things fascinating to read."

"Rawson's writing is dense, provocative, and highly interpretive, with all the rewards and risks such an entreprise entails. But enterprising she was, and the success of that enterprise is fully revealed in this fine collection, valuable indeed for all those interested in the development and charactization of the 'Roman' mentality."

"This collection contributes greatly to our understanding of an important historical period. It is a fitting tribute to the memory of an anima candida."

Elizabeth Rawson, late Fellow and Tutor in Ancient History, Corpus Christi College, Oxford