
audiobook
by W. Y. (William Young) Sellar
THE ROMAN POETS
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
THE ROMAN POETS OF THE AUGUSTAN AGE
CHAPTER I. - General Introduction.
CHAPTER II. - Virgil’s place in Roman Literature.
CHAPTER III. - Life and Personal Characteristics of Virgil.
CHAPTER IV. - The Eclogues.
CHAPTER V. - Motives, Form, National Interest, and Sources of the Georgics.
CHAPTER VI. - Structure and Composition of the Poem, in Relation To the Poem of Lucretius.
This volume offers a clear, well‑structured guide to the poetry of Virgil, situating his work within the vibrant literary scene of Augustus’s Rome. Drawing on a broad range of earlier scholarship, the author weaves together historical background, textual analysis, and thoughtful commentary, making the complexities of Latin verse approachable for modern ears. Helpful translations accompany key passages, allowing listeners unfamiliar with the language to grasp the rhythm and meaning of the original lines.
The discussion moves from Virgil’s early pastoral Eclogues through the mythic depth of the Aeneid, highlighting how his themes reflect the political and cultural currents of his age. Throughout, the author balances rigorous research with an evident love for the material, inviting listeners to appreciate both the poet’s craft and his enduring influence on Western literature.
Language
en
Duration
~15 hours (880K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2010-10-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1825–1890
A Scottish classical scholar with a gift for bringing Roman poetry to life, he is best remembered for books that helped generations of readers approach Virgil, Horace, and other Latin poets with fresh enthusiasm. He spent much of his career teaching in Edinburgh, where his literary style made serious scholarship feel inviting.
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