Agricola and Germany (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

To anyone who is truly interested in the ancient history of Great Britain, then this book is essential reading. It was written by Publius (or Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus who was a respected senator and historian of the Roman Empire who lived from 56 - 117 AD. He was perhaps best known for his "Histories".

The first part of the book "Agricola" recounts the life of Gnaeus Julius Agricola an eminent Roman General who happened to be the father-in-law of Tacitus. Agricola is unsurprisingly remembered in glowing references. The fascinating geography and ethnography of ancient Britain is also covered all to briefly. Of particular interest to those in Scotland is the fact that even the wild tribes of Caledonia are described. They reminded me of the Apache Indians of Americas South West who were similarly untamed.

The second part of the book "The Germania" is a more serious ethnographic study. We begin with descriptions of the lands, laws and customs of the individual tribes. There is a very interesting description of the very primitive and savage Fenni who reminded me of the headhunters of Papua New Guinea. Although I can claim no Germanic descent I found this book paricularly interesting given my particular interest in ancient tribes.

These works follow in a Roman tradition of serious historical and ethnograhic works. This was a tradition set by Julius Caesar's entertaining "The Conquest of Gaul", which gives vivid descriptions of the Gaulish tribes and Herodutus who's monumental "Histories" is still essential reading to classical scolars. Although known as "The Father of Lies", many of his wild claims proved to be correct. Tacitus, as has already been pointed out by more learned people than myself was also careless on Geography and details of military history. I found some of his comments unjust. He mocks the Britons for adopting Roman customs and also finds it glorious that Roman Legions stand in reserve whilst the brave auxiliaries bear the brutal brunt of attacks. But that was the cruelty of Rome, and one of the reasons for their success.

Although written so long ago it is still a very entertaining work not confined to the realms of the cerebal scholar. Tacitus possessed a lively imagination and a quick wit. He can also be very terse and fond of variety. He is also given to poetic expression. In short he can be fun to read. Highly recommended.

This review is not about the works themselves, which are an informative and entertaining read, but about this particular translation.

The first impression I got of this edition was excellent. There is a mass of extras including comprehensive indexes, glossary, timelines, explanatory notes, a lengthy introduction and more. All good stuff and helps put everything in context nicely.

Then I noticed a few oddities. The author explains that he doesn't use the word `tribe'. Why not? It is a perfectly good word and none of his alternatives are any better. `State' isn't really accurate when describing a loose confederation of iron-age peoples who share common language and customs. Another suggested alternative is `community' which is just plain ugly. `People' is okay but bland. The occasional use of tribe would hurt nobody. A small point? Yes, but indicative.

One of the more famous lines is translated as "monarchy and freedom", knowing that Romans weren't too keen on the idea of a king this seemed odd. The Latin text reads "principatum ac libertatem". Principatem does not mean monarchy or king, even my Latin is good enough for that. There isn't a single direct English word but `dominion', `ruler' or `ruled' would be better words and gives the phrase its full meaning.

These two examples made me suspicious of the political leanings of the translator, which I don't want creeping into a translation of an ancient Roman text whichever way they lean. Reading through the introduction again I found a little nugget I missed, the British where the first to use `concentration camps' it appears. This is a crass comment at the best of times, the connection with the Nazi camps will not be lost to anyone and to mention a connection without any explanation is divisive (it isn't true either - check any reliable source). Goebbels would be pleased, but I am not impressed. If you are going to print facts outside your period please check them first.

I am sure the author is a learned man, he certainly has impressive credentials. The translation is probably very good but these oddities caused me to loose faith in its accuracy and neutrality. Thus we have good book spoilt by some desperate need to appear liberal. The translations of classical texts are no place for personal agendas, however well meaning they are (or am I being too idealistic here?).

All this could have been sorted by a stronger editor, I am talking to you Oxford World Classics. I got so annoyed in the end that I bought the Penguin Classics version instead. I suggest you do the same.

The Agricola and the Germania are the first works written by Cornelius Tacitus completed in 98 AD. Tacitus, a Roman senator and Governor of Asia 112-113 AD, is one of the best known historians of his era. The Agricola is a biography of the life of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, the Governor of Britain from 78-84 AD. Agricola seems to have had an illustrious career and had been a successful governor, but as Agricola's son-in-law, Tacitus is a biased source. The Germania describes the characteristics of the various German tribes. Tacitus is unlikely to have visited the tribes himself so his information is most likely based on the research of others and hearsay. While his reliability is sometimes questionable, these are some of the earliest descriptions of Britons and Germans that we have and of historical value. You also get some insight into the administration of Roman Britain and the pacification of the Britons. The Agricola and the Germania are both sprinkled with Tacitus's commentary on Rome. Tacitus has a low opinion of the current state of Roman society. He frequently admires the unspoiled qualities of the barbarians as compared to his morally questionable countrymen. Tacitus's style and flair make these works easy to read, even amusing at times.