Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXI THE ANCIENT ROMANS IN the category of nations either ancient or modern there are none of more interest than the ancient Romans. From obscurity to domination, then to oblivion, is their history, but what a story the three epochs make! The whole world stares and gasps at its magnitude. From abject poverty to the most regal reckless splendour the world has ever seen, or will ever witness again--regal in its magnificence and reckless in its extravagance, cost only being considered in proportion to its volume. Spendthrifts were in every family and ostentatious display was the order of the day. To surpass in prodigality was the object of every one, from the highest to the lowest, and if only a small portion of what has been written about these people is true, that little is enough to give us pause. It was the Greeks who taught the Romans the use of wine, and it was from Greece that the first vines planted in Italy were procured, but though the Greeks were the teachers, it was not long before the pupils excelled their masters in every branch. The Romans soon began to realise there was a great difference in wine, and also that age was of vital importance if they really desired to have the best that the vine could produce. They found that it was time alone that could impart to wine that delicious softened flavour, removing the harshness of newness and making it more delicious and palatable. They discovered, too, that age imparted to it a fuller and richer bouquet or aroma, thereby appealing to the sense of smell, which greatly added to its attraction. They soon became experts in these matters and the early poets and writers vied with one another in their praises of the different vintages, some extolling one kind while others, more...
