The Odes of Horace

Contents

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Preface

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pp. vii-viii

Still another translation of Horace’s Odes? Yes, because in this metrical translation I hope to have brought something new to the ever quixotic challenge of trying to render Horace’s inimitable lyric poems in English. All the versions are offered in verse schemes reminiscent of Horace’s meters but firmly based on English prosody; I comment on metrics at ...

Translator's Note

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pp. ix-xv

The Odes of Horace present a complex array of subjects and influences. The varied themes include a great deal about the enjoyment of life and awareness of its evanescence, friendship, amorous love and hate, patriotic reflections on the Roman state, mythology, the beauty and simplicity of country life, the poetic vocation, and all this through the lens of Horace’s often bemused but sympathetic eye. ...

Introduction

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pp. xvii-xxxi

The Latin poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus, known to English speakers as Horace (this is the Anglicized version of his nomen, or family name), was born on 8 December 65 BCE, in the town of Venusia, located in the border area between the southern Italian regions of Apulia and Lucania. He died on 27 November 8 BCE, in the city of Rome. He and Vergil are the ...

The Odes of Horace