This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.
This translation of the works of Roman poet Publius Papinius Statius provides a comprehensive introduction to his life, works, and literary style. It includes detailed annotations and notes that assist in understanding the complexities of his poetry and explores the historical and cultural contexts in which it was produced.
This is the first part of a two-volume edition of Statius's epics Thebaid and
Achilleid, with a freshly edited Latin text facing an English translation.
"One of the most entertaining short narratives of all time, the Achilleid is a stand-alone work of compelling contemporary interest that moves with great rapidity and clarity. Its compact narrative, which encompasses a brutish childhood, an overprotective mother, temporary gender bending, sexual violence, and a final coming to manhood with the promise of future military prowess, may be unparalleled in a single narrative of such brevity. The text has survived in hundreds of manuscripts, sometimes copied with Statius' much longer and lugubrious Thebaid, but just as often with other racy short narratives and dramas taught in the medieval schools. The poem's literary playfulness, visual imagery, and lighthearted treatment of mythological and historical data made it--and can still make it--a goldmine in the classroom. Until now, however, it has been virtually impossible to get a sense of the work if one did not know Latin--recent translations notwithstanding. Stanley Lombardo's translation of the Achilleid is a dream: it's sound, enthralling, and will fully engage readers with this enticing, perplexing, at times distressing, but ultimately rewarding work." --Marjorie Curry Woods, Blumberg Centennial Professor of English and University Distinguished Teaching Professor, The University of Texas at Austin
