The Variae

Name: The Variae
Brand: Unknown
SKU: 9780520389700
Price: 66.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

The Complete Translation

By Cassiodorus

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.9

( 21 ratings, 1 reviews)

Summary

The Variae is a unique compilation of letters by Cassiodorus, a prominent Christian exegete and high-ranking official under Ostrogothic kings. Spanning thirty years of civil, legal, and financial administration in the sixth century, it offers an invaluable glimpse into the Mediterranean world transitioning from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. Through correspondence with emperors, bishops, military leaders, and citizens, the book provides deep insights into political, diplomatic, economic, legal, intellectual, and social structures of the time.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$66⁹⁹

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

The Variae

$66⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This work is ideal for scholars, historians, and students focused on late antiquity, early medieval history, religious studies, and classical administration. It suits those interested in the political, legal, and cultural shifts during the decline of the late-Roman state.

Description

Cassiodorus—famed throughout history as one of the great Christian exegetes of antiquity—spent most of his life as a high-ranking public official under the Ostrogothic King Theoderic and his heirs.

He produced the Variae, a unique letter collection that gave witness to the sixth-century Mediterranean, as late antiquity gave way to the early middle ages. The Variae represents thirty years of Cassiodorus’s work in civil, legal, and financial administration, revealing his interactions with emperors and kings, bishops and military commanders, private citizens, and even criminals. Thus, the Variae remains among the most important sources for the history of this pivotal period and is an indispensable resource for understanding political and diplomatic culture, economic and legal structure, intellectual heritage, urban landscapes, religious worldview, and the evolution of social relations at all levels of society during the twilight of the late-Roman state.

This is the first full translation of this masterwork into English.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reading Religion praises Bjornlie’s translation as "fluid and excellent," highlighting it as a masterfully crafted and essential addition to the historical corpus. It is especially recommended for historians, Byzantinists, and scholars interested in the Ostrogothic Court, Justinian's conquest of Ravenna, and the early Byzantine period.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780520389700

Publisher: University of California Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 February 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: University of California Press

Illustration: 3 maps

Contributors:

Translated by M. Shane Bjornlie

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 771g

Pages: 530

Collections

Cassiodorus European History History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Religion & Spirituality

About the Author

M. Shane Bjornlie is Professor of Roman and Late Antique History in the Department of History at Claremont McKenna College.