In an age when the Humanities are being neglected more perhaps than at any time since the Middle Ages, and when men’s minds are turning more than ever before to the practical and the material, it does not suffice to make pleas, however eloquent and convincing, for the safeguarding and further enjoyment of our greatest heritage from the past. Means must be found to place these treasures within the reach of all who care for the finer things of life.
—James Loeb
The Loeb Classical Library is an essential set for anyone studying the classics. Conceived of by James Loeb in the early 20th century, the series was designed to make Greek and Latin classics accessible by the amateur reader. Loeb was troubled by the decline in the humanities and believed that there was much value in studying the best works from the past. To make the original languages accessible to someone with little or no training, Loeb paired Greek and Latin texts with English translations on facing pages for easy reference. The iconic print books were created in a size that could easily fit in a pocket for ready access.
