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On
Agriculture
A dominant political and military figure in Rome in the
second century B.C., Cato was also a
notable historian and preeminent orator, a constant champion
of traditional Roman virtues. Only fragments of orations and
of his history remain. His sole surviving work, De
Agricultura, is our earliest complete Latin prose text.
Here he addresses the man with money to invest, strongly
recommending farming for its security and profitability. He
gives instructions and advice for efficient management of
labor and resources. His down-to-earth style is enlivened by
folk wisdom and rustic enthusiasms.
This volume also includes
Varro's Res Rustica. Varro was considered the most
learned Roman of his time. His Res rustica (37
B.C.), however, is not a practical
treatise but attractive instruction about agricultural life
meant for prosperous country gentlemen. Its dialogue form,
with several participants, allows for good characterization,
amusing stories, and striking observations.
Series No. 283 / 570 pages / ISBN 0-674-99313-6
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