Sidonius Apollinaris Complete Poems

Sidonius Apollinaris was a poet living in southern Roman Gaul in the mid-fifth century AD, when the region was threatened by invasions and competing warlords. This book by Roger Green provides a firsthand account of the political strife and manoeuvring of the times, as well as a vivid picture of the lives of Sidonius and his like-minded friends. Sidonius' poetry was widely read in the Middle Ages, with a golden age in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and a fifteenth-century revival of Late Antique literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2024
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Sidonius Apollinaris, a resident of southern Roman Gaul in the mid-fifth century AD, lived in a time of great turmoil and upheaval. The region was plagued by invasions from beyond the boundaries of the Roman Empire and rival warlords who vied for power. Despite these challenges, Sidonius emerged as a talented poet and writer.

His literary contributions are extensive and diverse. Among his notable works are three panegyrics, which were written to celebrate the reigns of emperors at the beginning of their reigns. These panegyrics are carefully translated and annotated, providing valuable insights into the political and social context of the time. Additionally, Sidonius composed numerous shorter poems in various meters, which have been translated into excellent and lively English. Each poem is accompanied by separate introductions and notes that offer historical and literary context, enhancing the reader's understanding of the work.

Roger Green, a renowned expert in Late Antiquity, has authored this book, offering a firsthand account of the political strife and manoeuvring of the times. At the same time, he provides a vivid portrayal of the lives of Sidonius and his like-minded friends during an almost post-Roman episode of Rome's existence. Sidonius enjoyed widespread popularity during the Middle Ages, with a golden age in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and a resurgence in interest during the fifteenth-century revival of Late Antique literature.

Today, Sidonius' poetry continues to captivate new scholars and enthusiasts. His work stands out for its lack of archaism, offering fresh and updated perspectives on various issues. The translations in this book are meticulous and faithful to the original Latin, ensuring that the beauty and essence of Sidonius' poetry are preserved for generations to come.

In conclusion, Sidonius Apollinaris was a remarkable poet and writer who lived in a turbulent period of history. His literary works, including panegyrics and shorter poems, offer valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the late Roman Empire. This book by Roger Green provides a comprehensive and engaging account of Sidonius' life and work, making his poetry accessible to a wider audience. Sidonius' legacy continues to inspire and influence scholars and lovers of literature, and his poetry will undoubtedly continue to be studied and appreciated for years to come.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 147 x 209 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800859975