Horace: Satires Book II

This book makes Horace's second book of Sermones accessible to students working at intermediate and advanced levels of Latin by explaining difficult grammar, syntax, word-choice, genre, period, and style issues. It also offers fresh insights into what satire is and how these poems communicate as uniquely Horatian expressions of the genre.

Format: Hardback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This volume delves into a collection of satires, considered some of the most intricate and challenging works of ancient Rome's renowned poet, Horace. Renowned for his wit, intelligence, and penchant for subtlety, Horace's Latin is dense and intricate, presenting a formidable linguistic barrier to those seeking to comprehend his works. The satires presented herein pose unique challenges due to their diverse voices, messages, and stylistic habits, encompassing a wide range of themes, from the poet's anxieties about the boundaries of satiric free speech in the first poem to the extravagant excesses of a hilariously over-the-top dinner party in the last.

For students embarking on the journey of learning Latin at intermediate and advanced levels, this book serves as a valuable resource in making Horace's second book of Sermones accessible and comprehensible. By elucidating complex grammatical, syntactic, word-choice, genre, period, and style issues, it facilitates a deeper understanding of these satires, enabling students to appreciate the artistry and complexity of Horace's writing.

However, this book is not solely intended for students. It also offers fresh insights to scholars who are already familiar with these poems. Through a comprehensive analysis, it explores the essence of satire and how these satires uniquely convey Horace's artistic vision. By examining the interplay of wit, irony, and rhetorical devices, the book sheds light on the ways in which Horace employed satire to critique social, political, and cultural norms of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

In conclusion, this volume presents a comprehensive exploration of Horace's satires, offering students and scholars alike a valuable gateway into the rich tapestry of ancient Roman literature. By unraveling the complexities of Horace's language and style, it provides a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and the enduring power of satire as a means of social commentary and artistic expression.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 145 x 222 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780521444941