Probably a question for a history buff, which I know there are several of here.

I have heard of a book written by a Roman historian contemporary with the Emperors. I don't know the exact title of it however. I think this link points to the right book or not. Can anyone tell me if they are familar with the book and, if so, if this is the right one? There seem to be several versions by different translators.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...9211&itm=3

Hi md,

Look up "suetonius wiki"

The book by Suetonius is probably the one you've heard of. There are probably quite a few different versions by different translators; no one is going to be the definitive version, because each translator has his/her own interpretation.

I have the Robert Graves version - in fact, I bought it in college (quite a long time ago) for one of the ancient history courses I took (and have re-read it since then). My professor thought highly of Robert Graves (aside from some colorful stories about Graves' personal life), and the book is interesting. If you're interested in history, his "I, Claudius," a novel, is good too.

I have it on mp3 if your interested

Suetonius is a hoot. After you've read his description of balding emperors with spindly legs (his invariable details) you might want to look at Alan Massie's <i>The Caesars</i>.

You might want to check-out Michael Grant's 'The Twelve Caesars' version (18yrs after Graves' book).
His bio; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Grant_%28author%29 OR
http://tinyurl.com/2ufmfp
Regards, Walter

Thanks for the replies everyone. Good stuff.

Joanne, I would be very interested in the mp3 version. How do we go about exchanging contact information?

No idea perhaps some here can tell us &lt;G&gt;

After reading the OP I got Suetonius out of the library and found it an easy and entertaining read. The version I have was a 1913 translation re-issued in 1970. It has the Latin on the left page and the english on the right.

However, last night as I was reading about Tiberius and got to the section on his kinky habits, I turned the page and found Latin on the right. I thought it was an error, but then realized it was done on purpose. So you can only read the thing if you are Latin literate!!. (I guess they thought it was safe enough for professors.)

So now I am going to go online and see if I can find that section. I hope I don't get in trouble for downloading porn!

Charnee

If you haven't already seen the excellent Masterpiece Theater production of &quot;I, Claudius,&quot; starring Sir Derek Jacobi, rent it as soon as you can. The material is taken from Robers Graves's two books, and the BBC did itself proud in the adaptation.

Also, if you're in the mood for history coupled with everything you wanted to know about how the Romans amused themselves, watch &quot;Rome&quot; seasons 1 and 1. But not if you're easily shocked.