A Guide to Latin Elegy and Lyric

This book serves as a vital resource for understanding Latin poetry, focusing on elegy and lyric. A Guide to Latin Elegy and Lyric is ideal for all levels of students.

This comprehensive resource offers essential context for both novice and experienced students of Classics and Latin, focusing on the nuances of elegiac and lyric poetry. A Guide to Latin Elegy and Lyric delves into the language of Latin poetry while illuminating the socio-cultural backdrop of the Roman literary era. The authors adopt an innovative approach, analyzing the interplay between elegy and lyric, and exploring significant themes such as the Hellenistic influences on Augustan poetry and the motifs of love's warfare and slavery in Latin love elegy.

Structured into ten informative chapters, the book begins with an insightful introduction that sets the stage for the literary, political, and social contexts of the Augustan Age. The subsequent chapters dedicate themselves to individual poets, including Catullus, Horace, Tibullus, Propertius, Ovid, and Sulpicia, while also surveying lesser-known figures and the evolution of post-Augustan elegy and lyric. The concluding sections address major tropes and themes in Latin poetry, alongside an analysis of contemporary critical approaches, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the subject.

A Guide to Latin Elegy and Lyric includes full translations of Latin texts, facilitating deeper discussions on recurring themes such as sexuality, politics, and mythology. Additionally, it features introductory sections that aid both students and educators in navigating Latin poetry. This volume stands out as an essential text for anyone interested in the rich tradition of Latin elegy and lyric, making it suitable for both introductory and advanced courses.