Product Description

Of all the classical poets Gaius Valerius Catullus (c. 84-54 BC) is the most accessible to the modern reader. Presented alongside the original Latin text, this new translation reflects Catullus' mastery of poetic forms as diverse as the lyric, the inventive epigram, and the romantic legend, and shows his passionate, and sometimes dedicated to his lover Lesbia. This edition also includes an introduction to the poet's life and work, and full explanatory notes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21803 in Books
• Published on: 1998-07-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Of all the classical poets Gaius Valerius Catullus (c. 84-54 BC) is the most accessible to the modern reader. Presented alongside the original Latin text, this new translation reflects Catullus' mastery of poetic forms as diverse as the lyric, the inventive epigram, and the romantic legend, and shows his passionate, and sometimes dedicated to his lover Lesbia. This edition also includes an introduction to the poet's life and work, and full explanatory notes.

Customer Reviews

excellent value
By turns tender, obscene, violent and (perhaps) misogynistic, Catullus is never dull. Once called 'the tenderest of Roman poets' by Tennyson, this Victorian view of his work has been overtaken by more modern readings which see him engaging with social and cultural politics, sex and gender ideology, ethical issues and the problems of the divided self. Above all, he is famous for the 'Lesbia' poems written (possibly) to an undeserving and married mistress. But whether you want to engage with the various literary levels inherent in Catullus' work or simply enjoy then for their raw and sometimes shocking emotionality, Catullus is always worth reading.

With both the latin text as well as Lee's free-flowing translation, this is excellent value for money. However, for serious students of either Catullus or Latin poetry the Loeb more literal translation is a must.

Lee's translation of Catullus is one of the best around.
Catullus' poems are amongst the greatest that have survived antiquity, and have certainly stood the test of time, particularly because they deal with many subjects that are still relevant, or at least of intrigue in our modern society. Over the years there have been many translations of Catullus' poems, as scholars have attempted to capture the poet's style and skill in their own interpretations. In this translation, Lee manages to retain much of the essence of Catullus' poems, aptly bringing out the genius of the neoteric poet and presenting his poems as true to the original as he is able, with as little poetic license on his own part as possible. This is encouraging, since earlier translations, namely Penguin editions, can sound too dumbed-down and misleading at times. Both the English translation as well as the Latin original are given, which allows much scope for comparison - important if the reader is interested in literary analysis of the poems. Overall the translation is very well done, and Lee captures the unique style and technique of Catullus as much as he is able to. If you like this book, then Lee also has a translation of Propertius in the same series.

Catullus
As an A level latin student i was dreading the poetry and never thought I'd end up reading the English translations for pleasure. However i found the poetry of Catullus to be not only totally readable, but they also focus on real feelings which we experience today. I particularly love Catullus' poetry which he wrote after being dumped by his lover, Clodia, full of the bitterness and resentment that we experience today. This book gives the Latin and the English translations, which are quite loose, but very readable. I thoroughly reccomend Catullus as his poems have scandal, bitterness and love, which everyone can relate to.