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Livy's first book covers the 'mythical' period of Rome, from the arrival of Aeneas in Italy, including the founding of Alba Longa and Rome, the lives of Romulus and Remus, and the period of Kingship up to the banishment of the last of the seven kings, Tarquinus Superbus and the election of the first consuls. The book opens with Livy's important Preface which explains his rationale for writing this history.
This edition, with introduction, commentary notes and vocabulary by H.E. Gould and J.L. Whiteley, was first published in Macmillan's Modern School Classics series. The introduction covers the life and work of Livy, his role as an historian, Livy's writing, style, grammar and syntax, and the historical context of the period. The edition's comprehensive annotation, vocabulary and introduction elucidates essential points of historical content as well as providing all the linguistic support needed to understand the text, including glosses of obscure words, explanations of difficult phrases and grammatical support. A translation of the Preface and maps of Latium and Rome of the Regal Period are also included.