The Complete Odes and Epodes (Oxford World's Classics)

by David West (Translator), Horace (Author), David West (Translator), Horace (Author), David West (Translator)

New
Paperback
2008
$12.25

Horace (65-8 BC) is one of the most important and brilliant poets of the Augustan Age of Latin literature whose influence on European literature is unparalleled. Horace's Odes and Epodes constitute a body of Latin poetry equalled only by Virgil's, astonishing us with leaps of sense and rich modulation, masterly metaphor, and exquisite subtlety. The Epodes include proto-Augustan poems, intent on demonstrating the tolerance, humour and the humanity of the new leaders of Rome, robust love poems, and poems of violent denunciation; the Odes echo Greek lyric poetry, reflecting on war, politics and the gods, and celebrating the pleasures of wine, friendship, love, poetry and music. Steeped in allusion to contemporary affairs, Horace's verse is best read in terms of his changing relationship to the public sphere, and David West's superb new translation is supplemented by a lucid introduction illuminating these complexities, extensive notes, a chronological survey and a glossary of names. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Synopsis

Horace (65-8 BC) is one of the most important and brilliant poets of the Augustan Age of Latin literature whose influence on European literature is unparalleled. Horace's Odes and Epodes constitute a body of Latin poetry equalled only by Virgil's, astonishing us with leaps of sense and rich modulation, masterly metaphor, and exquisite subtlety. The Epodes include proto-Augustan poems, intent on demonstrating the tolerance, humour and the humanity of the new leaders of Rome, robust love poems, and poems of violent denunciation; the Odes echo Greek lyric poetry, reflecting on war, politics and the gods, and celebrating the pleasures of wine, friendship, love, poetry and music. Steeped in allusion to contemporary affairs, Horace's verse is best read in terms of his changing relationship to the public sphere, and David West's superb new translation is supplemented by a lucid introduction illuminating these complexities, extensive notes, a chronological survey and a glossary of names. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Edition: reissue
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Published: 09 Oct 2008
ISBN 10: 0199555273
ISBN 13: 9780199555277

Author Bio

David West is Professor Emeritus of Latin at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne & Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow. Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) was born in late 65 BC at Venusia in Apulia. He served on the staff of Brutus' army until the defeat at Philippi in 42 BC. On returning to Rome he found his father dead and his property confiscated but obtained a secretarial post in the treasury. His poetry impressed Virgil, who introduced him to the great patron Maecenas in 38 BC. From now on Horace had no financial worries and moved freely among the leading poets and statesmen of Rome; after Virgil's death in 19 BC he was virtually Poet Laureate.