Roads from Rome

Ancient Roman writers appear as members of families and communities in Anne C. E. Allinson's six historical sketches. Drawing on their writings, she gives imaginative form to episodes across the late Republic and imperial periods, with three sketches set in the age of Augustus. The opening follows Catullus outside Verona as he mourns his brother, whose army service ended with a fatal fever in Asia Minor. Childhood memories bring their closeness into focus despite different occupations and political loyalties.

A later scene gathers Ovid and his family for his birthday at a country home. Talk of literary success, parental expectations and public duty gives the celebration a thoughtful edge as his daughter prepares to leave for Africa with her husband. These scenes offer readers interested in Roman social life a way to approach its poets through grief, affection and conversation. Allinson's stated purpose is to make ancient lives recognizable through shared human concerns.