The Fourth Book of Virgil's Aeneid and the Ninth Book of Voltaire's Henriad

Combining two celebrated epics, this volume presents the fourth book of a Roman classic and the ninth book of a French Enlightenment drama, each rendered into English verse. The translations sit beside excerpts of the original Latin and French texts, inviting listeners to hear how the same story shifts in rhythm and diction across languages. As the narrator moves from the Trojan hero’s tragic love to the political intrigue of Voltaire’s stage, the contrast highlights the differing aesthetic sensibilities of ancient Rome and 18th‑century France.

The accompanying preface reads like a lively conversation between scholars, pondering how language shapes thought and national character. The translator reflects on past English and French renderings, noting the influence of Anglo‑Saxon roots and the later enrichment from Latin and French vocabularies. Listeners will appreciate the blend of literary criticism and poetic craft, gaining insight into the art of translation and the timeless appeal of these foundational works.