Selected Letters of Cicero

This collection of Cicero’s letters, in Latin with an introduction and notes by Frank Frost Abbott, is representative of the whole collection that has descended to modern times. Arranged chronologically, the selection is rich in the letters Cicero wrote to members of his family and friends. They highlight his private character, tastes, daily life, and relations with his personal and literary friends. The letters bearing on political matters outline Cicero’s public life and times.

In his introduction and annotations, Professor Abbott discusses the distinct characteristics of epistolary versus colloquial Latin.