A commentary on Quintus Curtius' Historiae Alexandri Magni Macedonis Book IV 1-8

• Main Author: Bromley, Marilynne Anne Catherine
• Published: Royal Holloway, University of London 1979
• Subjects: 880; Classical Literature
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.243234

This textual and linguistic commentary, which is the first of any kind in English on the Historiae of Quintus Curtius, discusses the uncertainties presented by the text as transmitted, evaluates the solutions offered by previous scholars and suggests some new emendations. Curtius' grammar, syntax and linguistic usage are examined in comparison with the standards accepted before the time of Livy and the developments thereafter. His expression and style are compared with those of other authors, with special reference to Livy and Curtius' near-contemporary, Seneca the Younger. Literary analogies with other authors in all periods are given and similarities in thought and style are also noticed. Curtius' treatment of his subject-matter is considered in the light of the parallel accounts of Arrian, Diodorus Siculus, and in some places Plutarch and Justin, and questions of historical fact are discussed where they arise from the text of Curtius himself. Two appendices are included, of which the first deal with the dispute over the date of composition of the work, and Curtius' identity. It presents the case for identifying the Princeps referred to at X 9.1-6 with Claudius and suggests that Curtius composed the Historiae during the early years of that emperor's reign. The second appendix deals with our author's vocabulary and his use of participles and infinitives, and demonstrates some aspects of his contribution to, and place within, the evolution of the Latin language since the time of Livy. The apparatus criticus is derivative; the commentary, except insofar as every such work must take account of previous scholarship, is entirely original.