The Roman Poets of the Republic, 3rd edition

This volume offers a thorough survey of the poetry that flourished in the Roman Republic, tracing its roots from the earliest fragments to the mature works of the late Republic. The author balances a broad historical perspective with close readings of the surviving verses, highlighting how Roman poets both borrowed from Greek models and forged distinctive voices. By examining the social and political contexts that shaped their compositions, the book illuminates the relationship between poetry, oratory, and historiography in early Rome.

The third edition expands the earlier work with new chapters on Roman comedy, adding fresh analysis of Plautus and Terence, while revisiting Lucretius, Catullus, and Naevius in light of recent scholarship. Updated translations accompany literal prose renderings of selected passages, and extensive footnotes reveal the critical debates that inform each interpretation. Readers will appreciate the careful revisions, the inclusion of contemporary articles, and the author’s transparent discussion of evolving opinions throughout the study.