A Commentary on Virgil's Eclogues

Virgil's Eclogues are a fundamental text of Western literature that explored complex elements of poetic, literary, philosophical, and figurative culture. This commentary offers a systematic account of the poem in its historical context, comparing it to Greek and Roman poetic models, philosophical texts, and later Roman poetic traditions. It is the first to provide a reliable and concise interpretation of the text, systematically lemmatized and annotated, with each eclogue accompanied by an introductory overview and detailed bibliography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 568 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Virgil's Eclogues are a cornerstone of Western literature, serving as a blueprint for the emerging poetry of the Augustan and later Imperial Ages. Drawing inspiration from Theocritus' bucolic poetry, Virgil employs the deceptive simplicity of rural settings to delve into profound aspects of poetic, literary, philosophical, and even figurative culture. Through his Eclogues, he captures the essence of civil war and expropriations, employing a rich tapestry of literary devices to convey his messages.

In this comprehensive commentary, accompanied by a detailed introduction, Andrea Cucchiarelli delves into the depths of Virgil's Eclogues, drawing comparisons with Greek and Roman poetic models, philosophical texts, and significant later works within the Roman poetic tradition. The commentary offers a systematic account of the poem, spanning from the end of the Republic to the Age of Augustus. It pays particular attention to the language of figurative arts, which played a vital role in enhancing Roman readers' understanding of myths and stories.

The volume presents the text in a reliable and concise manner, meticulously lemmatized and annotated throughout. Each eclogue is accompanied by an introductory overview and a comprehensive bibliography to guide further reading. By exploring the intricate nuances of Virgil's Eclogues, this commentary provides a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the enduring legacy of this influential literary masterpiece.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198827764