A Commentary on the Letters of M. Cornelius Fronto

This is the first commentary on the letters of Marcus Cornelius Fronto (c. 90-95 - c. 167). It aims at an extensive grammatical, stylistic and historical interpretation of the letters and the ancient testimonies on Fronto. The author demonstrates where Fronto stands in Latin literature; hence the numerous quotations of parallel, similar and dissentient passages from Fronto and other writers. The letters are written in a pure, simple style, with a great deal of colloquialisms and many a post-classical turn of phrase. The many archaisms show how Fronto as a philologist had a comprehensive knowledge of pre-Cicero Latin.
This commentary, based on the Teubner-edition by the author (Leipzig 1988), offers a thorough explanation of Fronto's style and language, e.g. of his archaisms and colloquialisms, identification of the persons mentioned, and the chronology of the letters. Seven elaborate indices complete this book.

Michel P.J. van den Hout, Ph.D. (1954) in Classical Philology, University of Nijmegen, has published several articles on Fronto and two editions of his Letters.

'This book is necessary for all those with a serious interest in the social, literary, and political history of the Antonine period.'
Michele Valerie Ronnick, Classical World.
‘Dieser Kommentar ist gelehrt, umfangreich, informativ und unentbehrlich.’
Otta Wenskus, Anzeiger für die Altertumswissenschaft, 2002.
'vd H.'s commentary is an essential tool for readers of Fronto, and a thorough and stimulating one.'
Amiel D. Vardi, Scripta Classica Israelica, 2000.