The Complete Works of Claudian: Translated with an Introduction and Notes

This volume offers a modern, accurate, and accessible translation of Claudians work, published in English for the first time since 1922, and accompanied by detailed notes and a comprehensive glossary. Claudian (active 395–404 CE) was the last of the great classical Latin poets. His best-known work, The Rape of Proserpina, continues to inspire numerous retellings and adaptations. Claudian also wrote poems in praise of rulers, including the emperor Honorius and the regent Flavius Stilicho, which are essential sources for reconstructing politics and society in the late Roman empire. The translations, with explanatory notes, include: The Rape of Proserpina, Panegyric on Olybrius and Probinuss Consulship, Panegyrics on Honoriuss Third, Fourth, and Sixth Consulships, Invective Against Rufinus, Fescennines, and Epithalamium for Honorius and Maria, The War With Gildo, Panegyric on Manlius Theodoruss Consulship, Invective Against Eutropius, Stilichos Consulship, The Gothic War, and shorter poems. This accessible volume is also suitable for the general reader interested in the works of Claudian and this period more broadly.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Claudian, the renowned Latin poet of the classical era, flourished during the years 395 to 404 CE. His literary legacy endures through his most famous work, The Rape of Proserpina, which has sparked numerous retellings and adaptations throughout history. In addition to his celebrated epic, Claudian crafted poems in tribute to rulers, including the emperor Honorius and the regent Flavius Stilicho. These poetic compositions serve as invaluable sources for understanding the political and social dynamics of the late Roman empire.

To facilitate the exploration of Claudian's rich poetic tapestry, this comprehensive volume presents a modern, accurate, and accessible translation of his work, making it available to English readers for the first time since 1922. Accompanied by detailed notes and a comprehensive glossary, this edition ensures a deeper understanding of Claudian's literary style and themes.

Claudian's career spanned a pivotal period in Roman history, marked by significant political and social transformations. His poetic works reflect the prevailing cultural and intellectual currents of his time, encompassing mythological epic, panegyric, invective, and epithalamium. Within this collection, readers will find translations of some of Claudian's most notable works, including:

The Rape of Proserpina: This epic poem tells the story of the goddess Proserpina's abduction by the god Pluto and her eventual rescue by the hero Hercules. It is renowned for its vivid imagery, complex narrative, and moral themes.

Panegyric on Olybrius and Probinuss Consulship: Claudian composed this panegyric in honor of Olybrius and Probinuss, who held the consulship in 395 CE. The poem celebrates their achievements and praises their virtues, showcasing Claudian's skill in crafting panegyric poetry.

Panegyrics on Honoriuss Third, Fourth, and Sixth Consulships: Claudian wrote these panegyrics to commemorate the consulships of Honorius, the emperor of the Western Roman Empire, in 395, 396, and 398 CE. The poems highlight Honorius's military prowess, administrative abilities, and moral character.

Invective Against Rufinus: This invective is a scathing attack on the Roman senator Rufinus, who was accused of corruption and treason. Claudian employs rhetorical devices and vivid language to condemn Rufinus's actions and defend the integrity of the Roman government.

Fescennines and Epithalamium for Honorius and Maria: These poems were composed as wedding gifts for Honorius and his wife, Maria. They celebrate the couple's love and loyalty and showcase Claudian's poetic prowess in the epithalamium genre, which is a wedding poem.

The War With Gildo: This poem recounts the Roman war against the Goths, who were a group of Germanic tribes that had invaded the Roman province of Dacia in the late 4th century CE. The poem highlights the bravery and resilience of the Roman soldiers and emphasizes the importance of unity and strength in times of conflict.

Panegyric on Manlius Theodoruss Consulship: This panegyric celebrates the consulship of Manlius Theodoruss in 398 CE. The poem praises Manlius's military achievements, administrative skills, and moral character, highlighting his contributions to the Roman government.

Invective Against Eutropius: This invective is a critical response to the Roman senator Eutropius, who was accused of undermining the authority century. Claudian employs rhetorical devices and vivid language to denounce Eutropius's actions and defend the integrity of the Roman government.

Stilichos Consulship: This poem celebrates the consulship of Stilicho, who served as the regent of the Roman empire during the reign of Honorius's son, Valentinian III, from 395 to 402 CE. The poem praises Stilicho's military prowess, administrative abilities, and moral character, highlighting his contributions to the stability and prosperity of the Roman empire.

The Gothic War: This poem recounts the Roman war against the Goths, who had again invaded the Roman province of Dacia in the late 4th century CE. The poem highlights the bravery and resilience of the Roman soldiers and emphasizes the importance of unity and strength in times of conflict.

Shorter Poems: This section includes a selection of shorter poems by Claudian, showcasing his versatility as a poet and his ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in concise and powerful language.

The Complete Works of Claudian is a valuable resource for students and scholars engaged in the study of late antique literature, particularly Claudian's work. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Claudian's career, the wider historical and political context of the late Roman empire, and the poetic traditions in which he wrote. The translations, accompanied by explanatory notes, offer a deep understanding of Claudian's literary style and themes, making his work accessible to a broader audience, including the general reader interested in the works of Claudian and the history and culture of the western Roman Empire in this period.

In conclusion, The Complete Works of Claudian is a testament to the enduring legacy of Claudian as a Latin poet of the classical era. This comprehensive volume offers a modern, accurate, and accessible translation of his work, accompanied by detailed notes and a comprehensive glossary. By presenting Claudian's poetic compositions in their original form, this edition enables readers to explore the rich tapestry of late antique literature and gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of this remarkable poet to the literary world.

Weight: 821g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032416786