The Roman Guide to Slave Management: A Treatise by Nobleman Marcus Sidonius Falx

Excellently "translated" by Jerry Toner, though I suspect Marcus Sidonius Falx thinks more about his slaves' humanity than the average. Hilarious and heartbreaking and gutwrenching reminder of the slavery-based foundations of Rome in specific and many cultures in general, including that of the US (the country where I live).

A very fast read, vividly drawn. Tags for historical fiction because Toner uses the conceit of a fictive Roman giving lessons on managing slaves, followed by authorial commentary on each chapter. The bibliography is solid, the forward is by Mary Beard, and the text itself runs the gamut from funny to horrifying. Note that massacre was part of empire-building, physical punishment of social inferiors was normal, sexual abuse, including of minors, was endemic, and same-sex relationships were as ordinary as het. Toner doesn't bowdlerize, but he also isn't gratuitous.

It's important to note that freeing slaves after a period of time was normal in Rome, much like indenture. It's a pretty stark contrast with how people enslaved in the Americas show more were treated. show less

The fictitious Marcus Sidonius Falx has written a self-help manual giving a Roman noble's views on slavery and how to be a successful slave owner. Each chapter is followed by a commentary by the author, Jerry Toner, in his own persona discussing how far Sidonius's views are typical and the relevant ancient sources.

A unique way of presenting what we know about Roman slavery, which was different from Greek slavery and from later British and American slavery. Lots of entertaining and illuminating anecdotes but some annoying typos.

An informative and entertaining read. Each chapter is written in the voice of Marcus Sidonius Falx, a slave-owning Roman citizen, and is presented like an "insider's" view on the laws, customs, and attitudes about slavery in the Roman Empire; at the end of the chapter is Toner's commentary, where he expands on some bits and gives his sources for the chapter's topic.

Fascinating, especially when looking at Roman attitudes toward keeping slaves. The author used historical works in coming up with Falx's viewpoint, and sometimes Falx seems to be espousing opposite points of view from chapter to chapter. Which is ok, given that he's standing in for Romans in general, but it was a little strange.