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' Young Folks History Of Rome Vol.II ' continues Charlotte M. Yonge's masterful exploration of Rome's evolution, chronicling pivotal developments from the Republic's later years through imperial milestones. Designed for young readers, this volume meticulously examines Rome's transition from Senate-led governance to Caesar's dictatorship, blending political intrigue with cultural advancements. Yonge's narrative illuminates military campaigns like Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars and the civil strife between Pompey and Caesar, framed through 19th-century pedagogical values emphasizing civic duty and moral fortitude.
The book delves into imperial administration under Augustus, the Pax Romana's golden age, and engineering marvels such as aqueducts and road networks. Yonge juxtaposes Rome's architectural grandeur with societal challenges, including slave economies and religious pluralism. Her accessible prose demystifies complex topics like the rise of Christianity and the Diocletian reforms, while vivid anecdotes about gladiatorial games and Senate debates immerse readers in daily Roman life.
Tailored for educators and parents, this volume bridges historical scholarship with engaging storytelling, fostering critical thinking about power dynamics and cultural legacy in ancient civilizations.
About the author
Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823.1901) remains a seminal figure in Victorian children's literature, renowned for merging moral instruction with historical pedagogy. A protégée of the Oxford Movement's John Keble, she authored over 160 works, including the bestselling The Heir of Redclyffe (1853), which shaped 19th-century moral sensibilities. Her editorial leadership at The Monthly Packet magazine cultivated a generation of young female readers through serialized fiction and historical essays.
' Young Folks History Of Rome Vol.II ' exemplifies Yonge's signature approach: distilling complex historical narratives into accessible lessons without sacrificing scholarly rigor. While her Anglican conservatism occasionally surfaces in character judgments, modern educators value her works for their narrative clarity and cross-curricular relevance.
