Suetonius the Biographer: Studies in Roman Lives ed. by Tristan Power, Roy K. Gibson
Salvador Bartera
Reviewed by: Suetonius the Biographer: Studies in Roman Lives ed. by Tristan Power, Roy K. Gibson Salvador Bartera Power and (eds.). Lives. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Pp. xii, 338. $150.00. ISBN 978–0-19–969710–6. is often dismissed as a “second-class” writer, doubtless because of inevitable comparison with Tacitus, whose historical works cover much same material. The purpose this well-edited volume to offer more balanced assessment Suetonius’ literary qualities, exhibited especially Caesars, advance thought-provoking theses on some his lesser known works. Overall, engaging succeeds advancing our understanding Suetonius. In introduction, states aims book, assesses it relation most recent scholarship, outlines general features Suetonian Life. part 1, three chapters examine structural Caesars. Donna Hurley discusses “rubric sandwich,” drawing attention variety that each book displays (with Augustus serving model), thus proving that, far from being mere collector facts, followed plan awareness. This further validated Power’s analysis closing sections Lives, which allude either beginning following or ending previous Evidently, paid structure. Thus, suggests, spite Syme’s opinion had originally planned only first six all were “published under Hadrian prior dismissal” (77). Cynthia Damon looks closely at style, she believes be sophisticated than generally observed. use quotations, particular, comparable Tacitus’ sententiae: both cases, their placement significant moment achieves maximum effect. Part 2 centers specific John Henderson’s reading Julius Caesar, Rebecca Langlands Erik Gunderson, focusing Augustus. While Gunderson’s underlines exemplarity (material textual) himself wished transmit, claims Augustus, for efforts, failed control own legacy, shown clearly failure moral legislation household’s sexual scandals. her second contribution, observes death Caligula, who killed like sacrificial victim, represents an ironic role-reversal man presided over state religion was have exclaimed, “Would people single neck!” Jean-Michel Hulls reads Domitian line scholarship mirroring ekphrasis, arguing Domitian’s obsession secrecy solitude makes him appear nonperformer, Jeffrey Tatum’s paper convincingly shows Titus he too “adapting” circumstances, erasing cruelty early years becoming ideal ruler, particularly posterity’s memory. 3 shifts minor offers fascinating viri illustres they emerge De Viris Illustribus Pliny’s Letters. Both writers tend favor certain eras genres others. there are convergences (for example, authors little interest later Julio–Claudian period), also differences marked preference contemporary figures, expected epistolography). Most interestingly, when [End Page 280] comes social status public standing, Pliny crystallized view society Suetonius, interested men can through skill. probably reflected different statuses—senatorial equestrian—of two writers. third draws Famous Courtesans, common challenged counts: (1) work Latin (he proposes Feminis Famosis); (2) not prostitutes but mistresses poetry; (3) sort commentary biographical details. His bold...
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