Introduction. 1. The Structure of Pliny’s Natural History 2. Plinian Man 3. Pliny’s Defense of Empire. Conclusion: Pliny’s Redemption
Biography
Thomas Raymond Laehn is Assistant Professor of Government at McNeese State University. Prior to accepting his current position, he worked briefly as a public policy analyst and was a Visiting Research Fellow at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
"Pliny's Defense of Empire is the first study ever of the Natural History that approaches this "encyclopedia" of the ancient world as a work of political philosophy. Laehn shows persuasively that Pliny has been misinterpreted for two millennia and that he properly belongs in the company of Thucydides and Polybios, not to say Plato and Aristotle. Seldom does one encounter a fundamental reinterpretation of a well-known text; even rarer is to find such an account as exciting and intellectually stimulating as this one. It is simply a treat to read."
—Barry Cooper, University of Calgary
"Thomas Laehn’s trenchant analysis of Pliny marks a milestone. It revolutionizes our understanding of the man and his work by brilliantly demonstrating its philosophical purpose and coherence as an account of human nature and of the scope of the political in a reality experienced as being open to the theoretical quest for transcendent truth beyond the claims of temporal purpose and imperial grasp. Powerfully analytical and persuasively argued, this elegant study decisively breaks with all received interpretations. It establishes a new standard of critical comprehension, both of its subject and of its significance as work of first importance for political philosophy itself. Warmly recommended."
—Ellis Sandoz, Louisiana State University
