In the following essay, O'Donnell analyzes the compilation, content, and character of Cassiodorus's Variae, arguing that while Cassiodorus extols the virtues of Gothic rule, the work was not intended as a polemical treatise.

In the essay that follows, Barnish argues that many of Cassiodorus's writings, particularly those composed after he retired to his monastery, were designed to influence both the lay and clerical public in matters of politics, religion, and culture.

In the essay below, originally delivered as a lecture, Momigliano studies the political atmosphere in Italy during Cassiodorus's career and demonstrates the ways in which the relationship between the Romans and the Goths influenced Cassiodorus's writings. Momigliano observes that in works such as the Gothic History, Cassiodorus intended to support the peaceful coexistence of Goths and Romans.

In the following essay, Barnish studies Cassiodorus's aims in writing his Gothic History, analyzes the circumstances surrounding the work's composition, and discusses how Jordanes came to write his summary of the work.

In the following essay, Rand examines textual issues related to Cassiodorus's Institutiones, focusing on the work's title; the “archetype” of the various extant manuscripts and the categories into which the manuscripts may be placed; and the history of the earliest manuscript, as well as that of the codices.

In the excerpt below, Barnish offers an overview of the Variae, discussing its style, its reliability as a source of historical information, and various manuscript issues.

In the essay below, Hammer reviews Cassiodorus's literary achievements, praising him for rejuvenating Western intellectual life when it was in “utter decay.”

In the essay below, Macpherson comments on the historical accuracy of the Variae and analyzes the language and style of the work, stating that its tone suited the tastes of the upper classes.

In the following essay, Jones surveys the literary and cultural impact of Cassiodorus from the years following his death through the end of the thirteenth century, observing that he systematized the process of producing multiple copies of the Scriptures and that he helped to transform the monastery into a theological school.

In the essay below, Laistner analyzes the ecclesiastical history edited by and translated under the direction of Cassiodorus, praising his critical skill in selecting the material to be included in the Historia Tripartita.

In the following essay, Jones reviews the content and aims of Cassiodorus's Institutiones and comments that the style of the work is elaborate and characterized by Cassiodorus's desire for balance. Jones then analyzes specific examples of the type of vocabulary used in the work.

In this essay, Jones lists a number of corrections and emendations to his previous essay (see above).