The Aeneid | Virgil | An excellent translation of this classic epic

The Aeneid | Virgil | Regarding Mr. Krane

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The Aeneid

	The Aeneid Virgil Vintage, 1990 - 442 pages average customer review:based on 56 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

An excellent translation of this classic epic

What can be said about this classic masterpiece in epic poetry? Virgil clearly emanated the Homeric style of epic, and his debt to Homer is very apparent in this work. Still, it retains a style and flavor all its own. The poem tells the story of Aeneas, the Trojan hero from the Iliad who survived to found the Roman race in Italy. The first half of the poem are his adventures in reaching Italy (comparable to the Odyssey), and the second half deal with the war that results from his landing there (comparable to the Iliad).

It is said that Virgil wrote this poem at least partially in hopes of fostering the national sentiment of the Romans, of making them proud of their heritage, and of uniting them in a common ancestry. His motives are very clear--there are a number of references to the future glory of Rome, and various visions of the leaders and generals who would bring Rome her greatest glory. Interestingly, this poem was never completed, and Virgil, on his deathbed, asked that it be destroyed. It was preserved, however, by Augustus, and so we have it in its mostly finished form today.

This translation by Fitzgerald is excellent. Like his translations of Homer, Fitzgerald's Aeneid flows very smoothly, and stays true to the feel of the original. Also, there is a postscript in the back detailing both the history of the times, and various events in Virgil's life. This postscript is very helpful in understanding the world in which the poet lived.

There is also a glossary of names in the back, very useful for keeping all the people, places, and deity straight. All in all, this version of The Aenied is very satisfying. I highly recommend it.

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Regarding Mr. Krane

For those erudite readers writing reviews to respond to Ronald Krane's earlier review, you might want to branch out with the romans and read a little Seneca and Petronius, who both explore this strange beast, with which you are obviously not familiar, known as "satire." (In other words, methinks Mr. Krane may not be altogether serious.)

Adequate translation

I read the Aeneid in its English translation by Rhoades in the Great Books of the Western World and was somewhat put off by the style. Fitzgerald's translation of this Latin classic reads easier and is likely to enjoy greater popularity. Since hardly anyone is familiar nowadays with the names of ancient Greek and Roman heroes the glossary at the back of the book is also very helpful.

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Aeneas' Great Adventure

Speaking from a student's point of view, I think this book is challenging yet engaging. I am required to read this book by my A.P. English teacher. But if I wasn't required to read it, I still might read it if someone just told me that it was an adventure. I am hooked on adventure and this book has something for everyone in that department!

Aeneas' Great Adventure to the Promise Land!

Aeneis by Virgil is a classic of its time. I am required to read this book by my English teacher, but I would not put it down if he told me I didn't have to. This book gives a mythological account of the trials of Aeneas and the Trojan refugees after exiled from their homeland by the Greeks. Jupiter (the king of the gods) would have Aeneis found a colony that would eventually become an empire in Italy, while Juno (the queen of the gods) tries to delay Aenies' fate for as long as posible. Aeneis goes through many trials in this epic and if you enjoy history with a twist of fantasy and mythology then you will be hooked the moment you start into this book.

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