Excellently "translated" by Jerry Toner, though I suspect Marcus Sidonius Falx thinks more about his slaves' humanity than the average. Hilarious and heartbreaking and gutwrenching reminder of the slavery-based foundations of Rome in specific and many cultures in general, including that of the US (the country where I live). ( )

The fictitious Marcus Sidonius Falx has written a self-help manual giving a Roman noble's views on slavery and how to be a successful slave owner. Each chapter is followed by a commentary by the author, Jerry Toner, in his own persona discussing how far Sidonius's views are typical and the relevant ancient sources.

A unique way of presenting what we know about Roman slavery, which was different from Greek slavery and from later British and American slavery. Lots of entertaining and illuminating anecdotes but some annoying typos.

Fascinating, especially when looking at Roman attitudes toward keeping slaves. The author used historical works in coming up with Falx's viewpoint, and sometimes Falx seems to be espousing opposite points of view from chapter to chapter. Which is ok, given that he's standing in for Romans in general, but it was a little strange. ( )