On the Characteristics of Animals. Books 1-5
by Claudius Aelianus
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In On the Characteristics of Animals, Aelian (c. 170-after 230 CE) collects facts and fables about the animal kingdom and invites the reader to ponder contrasts between human and animal behavior. Aelian (Claudius Aelianus), a Roman born ca. AD 170 at Praeneste, was a pupil of the rhetorician Pausanias of Caesarea, and taught and practised rhetoric. Expert in Attic Greek, he became a serious scholar and studied history under the patronage of the Roman empress Julia Domna. He apparently spent show more all his life in Italy where he died after AD 230. Aelian's On the Characteristics of Animals, in 17 books, is a collection of facts and beliefs concerning the habits of animals drawn from Greek authors and some personal observation. Fact, fancy, legend, stories and gossip all play their part in a narrative which is meant to entertain readers. If there is any ethical motive, it is that the virtues of untaught yet reasoning animals can be a lesson to thoughtless and selfish mankind. The Loeb Classical Library edition of the work is in three volumes. The Historical Miscellany (Loeb no. 486) is of similar nature. In 14 books, it consists mainly of historical and biographical anecdotes and retellings of legendary events. Some of Aelian's material is drawn from authors whose works are lost. Aelian's Letters--portraying the affairs and country ways of a series of fictitious writers-offer engaging vignettes of rural life. These are available in Loeb no. 383. show lessTags
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Loeb Classical Library (446)
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- On the Characteristics of Animals. Books 1-5
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- Fiction and Literature, Science & Nature
- DDC/MDS
- 809 — Literature & rhetoric Literature, rhetoric & criticism History, description, critical appraisal of more than two literatures
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- PA3612 — Language and Literature Greek language and literature. Latin language and literature Greek literature Translations
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