Description
Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to provide a translation and commentary which will help newcomers to Horace, whether or not they know Latin, to understand how the poetry works. This third book of Odes begins with the ''Roman odes'' in praise of Augustus, the ruthless politician who had won control over the whole known world. These poems should, therefore, interest historians as poetic presentations of an ideology, and students of literature as the work of a man who found ways of praising while asserting his independence. Part of his strategy is to follow the political odes with an array of poems on love, friendship, country life, religion, and on poetry, all of them filled with delight in life and a unique sense of humour.
Trade ReviewDavid West takes a refreshing approach insofar as academic questions are sobered by looking at how the poems work as poems. * Quadrant No.405 *
All of us who love Latin and its diverse literature are in West's debt for this series of books exploring some of the most challenging poems written in any language. * JACT Review *
West's book has many strengths; his obvious and passionate admiration of Horace's poetic genius is foremost among them. He offers some powerful summaries of Horace's gifts, as well as accumulating evidence for a detailed defence of him against his critics ... The commentaries are written in a very accessible style ... There are plenty examples of humour to lighten the mood and many illuminating cross-references. * JACT Review *
(Horace: Odes I: Carpe Diem) Professor West takes us closer to understanding his ancient master works. This may not be fashionable literary theory. It is better than that: to help us to understand a great poem is an act of creative poetry itself. * The Times *
(Horace: Odes I: Carpe Diem) This book will be needed by all who know Horace. ... can new readers start here? Resoundingly, yes. They will gain a sound idea of what Horace means and how his poetry works, and these are achievements not to be obtained from other translations.
