The Narratives of Cicero's Epistulae ad Quintum Fratrem: career, republic and the Epistulae ad Atticum

Losito, Laura

Abstract

The narrative and design of Cicero's overlooked collection of letters to his brother Quintus (henceforth, QFr.) demand investigation. Within each book, the constituent letters delineate the trajectory of Cicero's life, transitioning from his political prominence to his increasing irrelevance. This narrative unfolds not only within the micro-narratives of individual books but also across the macro-narrative of the entire collection. Containing only letters from Cicero to Quintus dated between 60/59–54 and featuring a notable resemblance to the Epistulae ad Atticum (henceforth, Att.) Books 2–4, QFr., it can be argued, functions as both a ‘microcosm’ of Att. and its supplement. This article addresses these issues and argues that QFr. deserves a place alongside the ‘major’ Ciceronian collections.

Citation

Losito, L. (2024). The Narratives of Cicero's Epistulae ad Quintum Fratrem: career, republic and the Epistulae ad Atticum. Classical Quarterly, 74(1), 105-123. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0009838824000181

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 6, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-05
• Deposit Date: Oct 31, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 31, 2024
• Journal: The Classical Quarterly
• Print ISSN: 0009-8388
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-6844
• Publisher: Classical Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 74
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 105-123
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0009838824000181
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2994231