Orations VII, XII and XXXVI. Edited by D.A. Russell.

'The introduction to D.'s life and work (pp.1-25) is worth anyone's while: broad, yet with revealing detail, artfully constructed, literate, humane, striking judicious distinctions and nice balances between philosophy and rhetoric, moral earnestness and entertainment, showing good judgement on crucial issues (e.g. the importance of Musonius' influence on D.), and including valuable general discussion of each of the three works. (.) within the commentary R.'s greatest strength is his tremendous understanding of the grammar, syntax and stylistic nuances of Greek prose and of the divergences from Classical practice (.) and again R.'s constitution, interpretation and translation of the text are decisively superior to those of the Loeb (.). R. is also predictably full and excellent on literary echoes, rhetorical techniques, and philosophical influences, particularly Stoic and Platonic. (.) There are weaknesses. (.) R. does not seem to me especially at home in D.'s distinctive world. (.) In general, R. shows little interest in 'close reading. (.) Yet a reviewer's complaints, while perhaps necessary, are churlish and ungrateful when so much has been given. We should praise R.'s enterprise in presenting so attractive an introduction to D. and his success in analysing and explaining some of the best Greek prose of the later period in a manner which will delight and instruct all his readers.' (JOHN MOLES in The Classical Review (New Series), 1993, pp.256-58). From the library of Prof. Carl Deroux.