A Concise Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. Edited by
F. Warre Cornish, M.A. (John Murray.)—The third
edition of the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities appeared eight years ago. Eight years is a considerable period in those days when research in the domain of classical archmology is so busy, and long enough to bring to light many matters of import- ance, though not long enough to create a need for yet another edition of a large and costly book of reference. Hence comes the happy idea of a " Concise Dictionary." It gives an opportunity of bringing the treatment of the subject up to date, while it supplies a large public with what it practically needs at a moderate cost (41 is., as against 43 38. of the larger work). At the same time some distinct improvements, in respect of arrangement, have been introduced. The articles on Greek and Roman law have been collected into an appendix. The subject is too im- portant to be omitted. At the same time it is one which many of the students for whom the Concise Dictionary is intended have little or no occasion to be informed about. It is now put, so to speak, out of their way, while it is made more conveniently accessible for those who want it. The distinct article on " Coinage " is another improvement. The in- formation which it contains was scattered about the two volumes of the large Dictionary ; it is now ready to hand. We have not to look, for instance, for the history of the as in one place, the sestertius in another ; they are brought together and illustrated by some excellent plates. An interesting little paragraph on "monetary alliances" (anticipations of the "Latin Union" of modern times) should be noted. Among the additions we may mention the curious "farmers' calendar," probably of the first century B.C., from the Naples Museum. It runs thus :—" Mensis Mains dies xxxi. non Septim Dies Hor. xiv. nos Hor. ix. Sol Tauro TuteL Apoll. Seget Runcant Ores Tundunt Lana Lavatur Juvenci Domant Vicea Pabnl. Secatur Segetes Lustrantur Sacrum Mercur. et Florae." On p. 136 we note the plater.° of an acolyte (Camillus), a scale of metres (p. 139), a quaint Greek feast in very archaic style (p. 153). Further on we find another concentrated article on "Dress," which will save much trouble of reference ; and yet another on "Pottery," with excellent illustrations.
Previous page
