In preparing this translation of the Life of Augustus, the text of L.
Dindorf, Historici Graeci Minores, Leipsic 1871, vol. 1, has been used
as a basis. Suggestions of K. Müller, Fragmenta Historicorum Graecorum,
Paris 1874, vol. 3, pp. 427 ff., and of N. Piccolos, Nicolas de Damas,
Vie de César, Paris 1850, have been found of value. The last named work
treats only of the section found in the ‘Codex Escorialensis’, namely
chapters 16 to 31. In cases of variation among these three editors, the
preferred reading has been duly indicated in the commentary; departures
from their texts have also been noted. Works which have been of value
in preparing the commentary have been fully cited therein.
To obviate the confusion between the elder and the younger Caesar,
which exists through the excerpt, it has been found expedient to refer
to the later Augustus as Octavius uniformly until his arrival in Italy
from Apollonia, when he became acquainted with the contents of Caesar’s
will, and thereafter as Octavian.
All the references to Appian are to his ‘Civil Wars’.
The writer here wishes to express his obligation to Professor T.
Frank, under whose direction this work was undertaken, to Professor
W. P. Mustard, who has kindly read the entire manuscript of the
translation, and to Professors C. W. E. Miller and D. M. Robinson.