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The Works of Ausonius

with Introduction and Commentary

Ausonius author R P H Green editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:25th Jul '91

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The Works of Ausonius cover

Ausonius of Bordeaux, poet, professor, and statesman, whose long life almost spanned the fourth century AD, lived at a time of great cultural and political change, and was for many years, as an imperial courtier, closely involved in the administration of the Roman Empire. A prolific and original writer, Ausonius covers an astonishing stylistic range in his many and varied poems, from an elaborate description of the river Moselle to after-dinner diversions, from scurrilous epigrams to the stately verses in which he proclaims his Christian beliefs or his eminence as consul. This revised text of Ausonius' complete works, with over a hundred new emendations, is followed by a detailed commentary. Four introductory chapters consider the nature of Ausonius' poetry, his life and career, his influence, and the manuscripts of his works.

'A good text and a full English commentary on A. have been badly needed for a long time, and on both counts G. has done a first-rate job, which will earn him the lasting gratitude and respect both of ancient historians and professional students of Latin poetry. G.'s approach to his task is a model of thoroughness. His critical choices are generally sound; he is a circumspect but courageous emendator; the obelus is relatively rarely resorted to. The critical notes are clearly and economically presented. The result is a text that represents an enormous advance over its predecessors. Now to the Commentary. G.'s notes are crisp, relevant and generally helpful. G.'s arrangement has been carefully thought out. What we actually have is a work in the best tradition of British scholarship, which has a long and distinguished history in this field ... and a resource to be extremely thankful for. Green has done Ausonius proud.' E.J. Kenney, The Classical Review, 1992
'This new edition of Ausonius' works is the equivalent of an Oxford Classical Text combined with one of the huge commentaries on classical authors for which Oxford University Press has become famous. Its impact on the study of Ausonius should be profound. In many respects this commentary is now one of the best available introductions to late Latin and the literature of late antiquity. This is an important edition of Ausonius with a very helpful commentary.' Raymond Van Dam, University of Michigan, Journal of Early Christian Studies 1:3, September 1993
'a finely printed new text, with a lively introduction, informative commentary, and three appendices...Green has re-collated a large number of manuscripts...he presents their information economically, and himself prints or suggests at least a hundred emendations of his own...The resulting text is far superior to that found in the Loeb, and more reliable and sober than the Teubner of S Prete.' Journal of Teological Studies, Vol 43, No 2, October 1992
'This critical edition and extensive commentary will shape both the poet's audience and the readings he is given for years to come... None will read this volume cover to cover without a sense of satisfaction in the learning, the leisure, and the exquisiteness of taste required to do so: and in that way, that reader will end by coming to resemble not only the excellent editor, but Ausonius himself.' James J. O'Donnell, University of Pennsylvania, Journal of Roman Studies
Green's Ausonius sets a standard against which editions of Late Antique texts must in future be judged...Is commentary is of a quality and detail in classical texts but still sadly rare in medieval texts...Green is especially good at finding the genuinely Christian tone in the poems...the edition cannot be more highly recommended...George's book will remain a valuable contribution to the study of Fortunatus...magnificent edition...commendable monograph. * Ruminatio. *
he has thoroughly weighed all his choices and decisions and produced a text which honours the author ... A new edition always provokes the question as to whether it improves on its predecessors. Having worked through the whole of the text, I dare to answer in the affirmative. This commentary is a storehouse of learning and professional skill. * J. den Boeft, Vrije Universiteit, Mnemosyne, Vol. XLIX, Fasc.4, 1996 *

ISBN: 9780198144632

Dimensions: 243mm x 163mm x 48mm

Weight: 1329g

836 pages