A History of Roman Literature

by Harold North Fowler

"A History of Roman Literature" by Harold North Fowler is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the development of Roman literature from its origins during the Republican period through various subsequent eras, detailing key authors and their contributions. It serves as both an educational text for schools and colleges and a reference work about the literary accomplishments of Rome. At the start of the book, the author outlines the significance of Roman literature, noting its roots in Greek literary traditions and its overarching political influence. Fowler discusses the practical character of Roman society, which shaped its literature to reflect political and military concerns rather than pure artistic expression. He introduces key figures, such as Livius Andronicus and Ennius, while also indicating the evolution of literary forms like tragedy and comedy in the context of Roman culture. Through these early chapters, Fowler sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the rich tapestry of Roman literary history.