Pliny's letters sent to Trajan from Bithynia, and Trajan's replies are the only surviving file of letters between a provincial governor and his emperor. The edition makes this record accessible to even those with no knowledge of Latin. To this end the translation is as literal as is consistent with English syntax and the notes on each exchange of letters analyse the precise problem submitted by Pliny and the character of Trajan's response, and explain the historical and legal background to these problems. The General Introduction deals with Pliny's official career, the province of Bithynia-Pontus, the character of Roman provincial administration and Trajan's personal contribution to the correspondence.
