Publius Vergilius Maro Books







Aeneid, Books VII-XII
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The complete modern translation of the Aeneid by David Hadbawnik showcases a contemporary interpretation of the classic epic, concluding a project that began with the first six books in 2015. This volume is enhanced by dramatic abstract illustrations from Omar Al-Nakib, adding a visual dimension to the literary work. The combination of Hadbawnik's fresh translation and Al-Nakib's art offers readers a unique and engaging experience of this timeless story.
The Aeneid
- 416 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Takes up the tale of Aeneas near the point where Homer's Illiad had left him. Urged by the gods to fulfill hsi destiny, Aeneas leads the dispossessed survivors of Troy through countless trials and adventures, and visits they underworld before his final defeat of the indigenous Italian tribes, led by Turnus, enables him to establish a new kingdom in central Italy
Aeneid, Books I-VI
- 214 pages
- 8 hours of reading
David Hadbawnik's modern translation of the Aeneid offers a fresh take on Virgil's epic, showcasing the first half of the narrative for the first time in a complete format. Accompanied by atmospheric illustrations from Carrie Kaser, this 2021 hardcover edition presents a visually appealing and accessible rendition of the classic text. The collection sets the stage for the forthcoming Volume 2, which will encompass the remaining six books of this foundational work of ancient Roman literature.
Eclogues and Georgics
- 260 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Focusing on the musicality of language, this translation of Vergil's Eclogues and Georgics captures the essence of Latin poetry as both written and performative art. James Bradley Wells blends creative practice with a deep understanding of contemporary poetry and classical antiquity, offering a fresh perspective on these early works of ancient Rome's renowned poet. His approach emphasizes the original spirit of Vergil's poetry, making it accessible and resonant for modern readers.
Set against a backdrop of civil unrest and conflict, the Eclogues present a poignant exploration of crisis through the voices of two farmers. The dialogue reveals deep concerns about alienation and the impact of violence on rural life. Themes of change, displacement, and environmental devastation permeate the poems, reflecting the harsh realities faced by the community during turbulent times. Virgil's work captures the emotional and social turmoil of an era marked by strife, offering a powerful commentary on human suffering and resilience.
For T. S. Eliot, Virgil was not merely one of the great masters but 'our classic, the classic of all Europe'. Perhaps no other writer has generated a longer and larger tradition of commentary, translation and imitation.From Chaucer to W. H. Auden and Robert Lowell, Virgil is a defining presence in English poetry. The Eclogues and Georgics inspired the pastorals of Spenser, Milton and Pope; the Aeneid's pathos, spiritual insights and long-suffering hero - who struggles with doubt, despair and the loss of everything he loves to found the Roman race - made it the model epic. Dryden's complete Virgil in heroic couplets sums up the supersedes his predecessors, yet later translators include Wordsworth, William Morris, Robert Bridges and Cecil Day Lewis. This selection consists largely of extracts from straight translations, along with a number of pieces illustrating Virgil's influence; celebrated episodes like the death of Dido and Aeneas's descent into the underworld appear in several different versions.
The Georgics
- 70 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Virgil, a prominent Roman poet, is renowned for his significant contributions to epic poetry, including the Bucolics, Georgics, and the Aeneid, which became the national epic of the Roman Empire. His work reflects his connections with influential figures like Maecenas, who aimed to unify literary voices in support of Octavian against Mark Antony. Virgil's collaborations with contemporaries such as Horace and Varius Rufus highlight his integral role in the cultural landscape of his time, blending personal narrative with broader political themes.
The epic poem chronicles the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he travels to Italy and ultimately becomes the ancestor of the Romans. Written by Virgil in the late 1st century BC, it features a rich narrative woven in dactylic hexameter across nearly 10,000 lines, blending themes of fate, duty, and the founding of a new civilization. The Aeneid serves as a cornerstone of Latin literature, reflecting both mythological and historical elements that shaped Roman identity.
The Aeneid of Virgil
- 220 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Aeneas, a Trojan hero, embarks on a perilous journey across the Mediterranean after the fall of Troy, accompanied by his son Ascanius and father Anchises. His adventures lead him to Carthage, where he falls in love with Queen Dido, but ultimately leaves her to fulfill his destiny of founding a city in Italy. This epic tale features themes of love, loss, and the struggle against fate, showcasing Aeneas as a flawed hero. Presented in accessible prose, this edition invites modern readers to experience Virgil's timeless masterpiece.
