OCR Anthology for Latin AS and A Level Shorter Prose Authors

This is the OCR-endorsed edition covering the Latin AS and A-Level (Group 1) prescription for examinations in 2026–28 of Nepos Life of Hannibal 1–13 (… Baebio Tamphilo) and the A-Level (Group 2) prescription for examinations in 2027–28 of Apuleius Metamorphoses VI, 7–21 and Tacitus Annals XIV, 29–37 and 59 (et posito metu …)–65. It provides the full Latin text, commentary, and vocabulary, with a detailed introduction that also covers the prescribed material to be read in English for A Level.

Nepos' bibliography offers an interesting character sketch of Hannibal, Rome's great enemy. Written in clear, unadorned Latin, Nepos focuses on Hannibal's great intelligence and his undying hatred for the Romans. The character sketch is fast-paced and enlivened by a series of memorable anecdotes.

In contrast, Tacitus's account of the notorious emperor Nero is scathing in its criticism and jagged in its style. Through sentences which are often surprising in their structure, Tacitus explores the darker side of Nero's personal whims. This extract contains unforgettable descriptions of Nero's love of performing on stage and the shifting personal alliances in Rome, including the murder of his young wife, Octavia. Tacitus also takes us to Roman Britain and the surging rebellion led by Boudicca in protest against Roman greed and their abuse of power.

Apuleius' tale of Cupid and Psyche is one of the richest and most enduring fables of antiquity, combining elements of fairytale, Platonic allegory, and literary play, in stylistically lavish Latin prose. The story tells the tale of the surpassingly beautiful mortal Psyche, with whom Cupid, Venus' son and the god of love, falls hopelessly in love, though concealing his identity. Her sisters' jealousy, and her own inordinate curiosity, lead her to try to discover who her lover is, in the process severely wounding him. This selection of text follows the trials of Psyche, set as punishment by Venus.

Supporting resources are available on the Companion Website: https://bloomsbury.pub/OCReditions-2026-2028.