Description
Book SynopsisA magnificent new translation of the enduring epic about the sundering of the Roman Republic.
Lucan lived from 39-65 AD at a time of great turbulence in Rome. His
Civil War portrays two of the most colorful and powerful figures of the age-Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great, enemies in a vicious struggle for power that severed bloodlines and began the transformation of Roman civilization. With Right locked in combat with Might, law and order broke down and the anarchic violence that resulted left its mark on the Roman people forever, paving the way for the imperial monarchy. Accessible and modern yet loyal to the rhetorical brilliance of the original, this will be the definitive
Civil War of our times.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history
Trade Review“Matthew Fox’s new translation of Lucan’s poem, together with the introduction, notes, and glossary he co-authored with Ethan Adams, is most welcome. His translation gives us a new look at the poem, and the ancillary materials provide a general audience with necessary social, historical, and literary information…readers will find Fox’s spirited, fastpaced rendering a pleasure.” —
Jane Wilson Joyce, The New Republic"I was deeply impressed. It is not just another translation: it has a special intensity and vibe, and I am recommending it to whoever teaches Lucan and also to people interested in contemporary translations of poetry. The quality of the footnotes and summaries is also noteworthy." —
Professor Alessandro Barchiesi, Stanford Universityof Si"I teach this poem as part of an MA seminar course on the epic tradition, and I was most impressed at its suitability for students. The translation is fluent and readable, yet still manages to convey something of the violent and jagged nature of Lucan's epic style. The excerpt from Petronius included as an appendix will be especially valuable in situating the poet in his literary context. I look forward to assigning this translation as a core text for many years to come." —
Dr. Martin Brady at University College Dublin, School of Classics"I think it is a fantastic translation---really a scholarly commentary and literary interpretation as much as a translation. I shall be very lucky to consult it in future classes and for my research! Thanks again for sending it. The authors have definitely done a remarkable job and it will surely become the standard translation of this difficult poem." —
Leah Kronenberg, Rutgers University
