Books of Catullus

The Books of Catullus is the first full English translation to take the Roman poet at his word, with Simon Smith's versions being scholarly yet eccentric and mapping theme and register to contemporary equivalents. Smith gets the rhythm of Catullus, whose meters are deceptively complex, and achieves a delicious frisson by fusing the classical and the contemporary.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 29 March 2018
\n Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd
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The Books of Catullus stands as a groundbreaking achievement in English translation, offering a faithful rendering of the Roman poet's words. Simon Smith's versions, while scholarly, exhibit a distinctive eccentricity, skillfully mapping themes and registers to contemporary counterparts, such as poem 16, which bears a striking resemblance to Frank OHara's work. Smith's approach divides Catullus's complete verses into three "books," a structure believed to reflect the original reception of the poems. In his meticulous translation, Smith captures the intricate rhythm of Catullus, whose meters, like much of his poetry, are deceptively complex. He achieves a delightful frisson repeatedly by seamlessly blending the classical and the contemporary, presenting the reader with unexpected delights and pleasures. Vincent Katz, in his review, praises Smith's achievement, highlighting his ability to convey the essential spirit of Catullus while infusing it with a fresh and vibrant contemporary sensibility. The result is a translation that not only preserves the beauty and complexity of Catullus's work but also brings it to life for a modern audience, offering a rich and rewarding experience. (Peter Hughes)

\n Weight: 260g\n
Dimension: 137 x 215 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781784105501\n \n