Classical Authors on the Bookshelves of Carniolan Nobility

Abstract

Works by classical authors had a significant share in the aristocratic libraries of the Slovenian lands. While the selection of authors varied, there were some mainstays: Cicero, Horace, Ovid, Homer. The language of the books was either original or a German or French translation. All publications were furnished with commentaries and introductory chapters containing the authors’ biographies, often even with glossaries and grammar exercises. These additions, however, were considerably reduced in the 19th century. All library owners preserved classical language textbooks as well.