"The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 1 (of 6)" by the Elder Pliny is an encyclopedic work published beginning in AD 77. The largest single work surviving from the Roman Empire, it compiles knowledge on an astonishing range of subjects—from astronomy and geography to zoology, botany, mining, and art. Pliny defines his scope as "the natural world, or life," presenting nature as a coherent whole serving humanity. Written at night while he served Emperor Vespasian, this ambitious compilation became a model for all later encyclopedias.