Pliny Natural History (Books 3-7)

Rating:
Summary: Books 33-35
Review: Pliny the Elder's Natural History is published in many volumes covering a number of topics, which he differentiates by "books."

Books 33 through 35 deal with Ancient Greece painting and sculpture and the artists who created those works. Because all Ancient Greek paintings have been destroyed by time, natural disaster or vandalism, Pliny's remarks on the expertise of the painters are particularly valuable to anyone interested in Greek art. His pleasant, easy-going, somewhat gossipy style---as translated by Mr. Rackham---is altogether entrancing, entertaining as well as informative. He tells some wonderful stories about Greek painters, stretching credulity but nevertheless charming the reader totally.