Virgil's Georgics, by common consent one of the great poems of Western literature, purports to be a didactic poem on agriculture, but its true subject is man and his place in nature and society. It is also a landmark in the use of the natural world as material for literature, and in the history of man's attitude to his environment. The poem is of special interest because Virgil brings to bear his own sympathetic understanding as well as his wide reading in Greek and Latin literature. This definitive commentary by the late Sir Roger Mynors presents the poet's meaning in such away as to bring about a fuller understanding and enjoyment of the poetry, and should be an invaluable companion for all serious students of Latin literature.
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Summary
Virgil's Georgics, by common consent one of the great poems of Western literature, purports to be a didactic poem on agriculture, but its true subject is man and his place in nature and society. It is also a landmark in the use of the natural world as material for literature, and in the history of man's attitude to his environment. The poem is of special interest because Virgil brings to bear his own sympathetic understanding as well as his wide reading in Greek and Latin literature. This definitive commentary by the late Sir Roger Mynors presents the poet's meaning in such away as to bring about a fuller understanding and enjoyment of the poetry, and should be an invaluable companion for all serious students of Latin literature.
Description
Translation of the four books of "The Georgics" (29 BCE)- Virgil's celebration of the main aspects of Italian agriculture, ie corn, vines and olives, cattle and horses, and beekeeping. Not to be regarded as a farmer's manual "The Georgics" represent an affirmation of the "good life" of the Italian farmer - harsh and laborious but dignified and bringing the rewards of honest contentment and the knowledge that agriculture is the only basis of the greatness of the state. "The Georgics" are probably the supreme achievement of Latin poetry. This volume also contains a substantial introduction, setting "The Georgics" in their historical and literary perspective.
About the Author
Virgil, born in 70 B.C., is best remembered for his masterpiece, The Aeneid. He earned great favor by portraying Augustus as a descendant of the half-god, half-man Aeneas. Although Virgil swore on his deathbed that The Aeneid was incomplete and unworthy, it has been considered one of the greatest works of Western literature for more than two thousand years.
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