Books by Robert Payne

This book, first published in 1947, is an anthology of Chinese poetry from a period when it was entering an entirely new world, where many ancient poetic traditions were being cast aside. No longer was Chinese poetry regarded as the graceful accomplishment of retired sages: the new voices were powerful, realistic, even brutal.

In the sheer scope, the Roman epoch is unsurpassed in history. What has endured to our own time is its great legacy to Western civilization-in law, language, architecture, and the art of government-and the fascination of its story.Ancient Rome presents the history and heritage of that remarkable era. In this richly illustrated volume, the reader can enjoy an all-around introduction to the politics, people, culture, and everyday life of the world ruled by Rome. Unlike most general histories of the subject, it enables the reader to know the Romans not only from reading about them, but by hearing directly from them, through the words of orators, philosophers, historians, poets, playwrights, and satirists.Here is an intelligent and remarkably handsome survey of ancient Rome, designed for anyone who would welcome the chance to learn more about that 1,200-year epic with ease, clarity, and accuracy.