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Classical dictionaries Books
Best books
William Smith
A Smaller Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities
"A Smaller Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities" by William Smith is a scholarly reference work written in the late 19th century. This dictionary serves as a compact guide to various aspects of ancient Greek and Roman culture, including laws, institutions, customs, art, and more. It likely aims to support advanced scholars and students in their understanding of classical antiquities, offering concise definitions and explanations of terms relevant to the ancient world. The opening of this reference work provides a transcription note, explaining the formatting of text and footnotes, and emphasizes the book's organization. After the introductory material, it begins with entries that detail specific terms related to antiquity, such as "Acerra" (an incense container), "Ablution" (the act of washing), and "Aged" (age-related social roles), among many others. Each entry is presented with definitions and often elaborates on its historical significance or usage in the classical context, offering readers a glimpse into the extensive knowledge contained within the dictionary.
John Lemprière
A classical dictionary containing a copious account of all the proper names mentioned in ancient authors with tables of coins, weights, and measures used among the Greeks and Romans and a chronological table
"A classical dictionary" by John Lemprière is a reference work first published in 1788. This comprehensive dictionary catalogs proper names from ancient Greek and Roman sources, blending mythology, history, and anecdote into an engaging guide to classical antiquity. For nearly two centuries, it served poets, teachers, and writers—John Keats reportedly knew it by heart. More than a dry reference, Lemprière's vivid storytelling brought ancient myths to life, making classical knowledge accessible and entertaining for generations of readers seeking to understand the ancient world.
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