Life and literature in the Roman republic

by Tenney Frank

"Life and Literature in the Roman Republic" by Tenney Frank is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the intersection of social forces and literary expression during the Roman Republic, providing insights into how the environment influenced literature and the burgeoning self-expression of Roman writers. It delves into the cultural, political, and artistic milieu that shaped early Roman literature, highlighting significant figures and works while placing them in their historical context. At the start of the book, Frank sets the stage for a discussion of how Roman literature emerged in response to various social changes from early Roman history through engagement with Greek literary forms. He critiques the previous scholarship for neglecting the impact of social and political environments on literary creation and argues for a comprehensive understanding of the creators of literature and their cultural contexts. Additionally, Frank outlines the early developments in genres such as tragedy and epic narrative, mentioning the contributions of key figures like Naevius and Ennius and how their works reflected Roman societal values and struggles.