3752. HISTORY, Roman.—
I have been
* * * delighted with reading a work, the
title of which did not promise much useful
information or amusement—L'Italia Avanti il
Dominis dei Romani dal Micali.” * * *
Micali has given the counterpart of the Roman
history for the nations over which they extended
their dominion. For this he has gleaned
up matter from every quarter, and furnished
materials for reflection and digestion to those
who, thinking as they read, have perceived
that there was a great deal of matter behind
the curtain, could that be fully withdrawn.
He certainly gives new ideas of a nation whose
splendor has masked and palliated their barbarous
ambition.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vii, 63.
(M.
1817)
