Plain Prose

These twenty essays examine continuity and change in the language of Latin prose, from its emergence to the twelfth century AD. Issues debated include traditional distinctions between primitive archaic and sophisticated classical Latin, and between superior classical and inferior Silver Latin. A broad range of Latin authors are covered, including Caesar and Cicero, Bede and William of Malmesbury. An extensive introduction traces the volume's recurring themes - the use of poetic diction in prose, archaism, sentence structure, and bilingualism. The diversity of approaches makes this an essential handbook for all those interested in Latin language and literature.

The Artistry of Shakespeare's Prose is the first detailed study of the use of prose in the plays. It begins by defining the different dramatic and emotional functions which Shakespeare gave to prose and verse, and proceeds to analyse the