Description:
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be Read as Much as the Iliad or Odyssey
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } It is unfortunate Horace is not read as much in English as are translations of Homer or Vergil, or Beowulf for that matter. Horace, in the whole sweep of history, has been one of the most influential of the great classical authors. As he explains in his poems, his "thing" was not to write epic narrative, but to write short poems, packed with meaning, imagery and sound. He models himself on Alcaeus and Pindar most of all, but on all the classical Greek lyrical poets really, and he conjures up a beautiful and enchanting, naturalistic and mythologized world of the ancient Mediterranean. These kind of poems are meant to be read over again, and even memorized and meditated upon - slightly different than epic, where you read more, and everything connects to everything else. Horace's poems make statements about life, death, society, morality, nationalism, fighting prowess, glory, love, sex, falling trees, the world, nature, the universe, animals, the gods, the supernatural, magic, etc, etc, etc! This kind of expansive cacophony needs lyric poetry to express itself in a comprehensible format, and lyric poetry needs a great mind and a great motivation to make itself written. Horace was perfectly placed for this. He had experience in war, peace and politics, in love and death, in poverty and wealth. He was highly educated in the Greek classics. He was close to the first Roman emperor's Prime Minister of state - Maecenas. Latin had virtually no great short poetry yet, and Horace was hired to create some. Otherwise, who would be motivated to write such things in an age without the internet or the printing press? We are lucky that he was motivated to write and we are lucky that the right man was hired for the job! His poetry became, along with Vergil's of course, the stamp of Romanness, and defined a civilization - a civilization that ours descends directly from. Horace's poetry was never forgotten, and was one of the most respected staples of a "proper education" right through the so-called "Dark" and Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, and well into the 20th Century! I do read Latin, but I highly recommend reading this stuff in English, since very few people read Latin well anymore. I like West's rhythmical, free verse. It is very convincing as English free verse, and it's giving you the Latin meaning very clearly. By all means, please do read it in Latin if you can! Then you can enjoy the poetical artistry of Horace directly. But even without Latin, West does a magnificent job of Englishing it. All people interested in poetry, literature, or Western Civilization generally should read and reread this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent edition!
I appreciate the translation, Intro., full supply of notes, and glossary, as well as Chronology and biography of Horace.Excellent edition!
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
A wonderful translation!
4.0 out of 5 stars "Perfumed with roses..."
Long beloved for his compassion, his exquisite music, his own gentle life, the often-translated Horace is most beautifully given to us again by David West. Listen to Book II, Ode XI, Qui Bellicosus: "Life asks so little. Smooth-faced youth and beauty runs away behind us....drink, while we may, our grey heads perfumed with roses..." Horace describes himself as a Epicurean, choosing to live on the Sabine farm made possible by his friend, the legendary wealthy Maecenas.In addition to translations of all the Epodes and Odes, West provides a fine introduction to the man, to his works, and to the world of Rome under Augustus. Together with over 60 pages of notes, this is a worthy addition to almost anyone's library of treasured books. For the price, it is a splendid value although one that could have been enhanced by providing the Latin for each poem.There can be debate about this. As West remarks, "Translation of poetry is impossible but translations of Horace's odes is inconceivable...What is offered here...enable non-Latin readers to gain some understanding of the detail of the poetry and how it works, and to do so in English which can be read without revulsion." He certainly does that; indeed the poems can be read aloud with great pleasure with or without the wine and roses, though better still with a friend inclined to rejoicing under a plane tree with a cask laid down and sealed with Horace's own hands. And true, one rarely (for example in Helen Waddell's translations of some of the medieval lyrics of the wandering scholars or Robin Flower's luminous translation of "Pangur Ban") can achieve a translation close to the original. So---the argument can run---why add to the price or bother with printing the odes themselves.Yet, even without mastery of Latin, the loveliness and complexity of the meters can be appreciated, adding still further to our love for this lovely and complex man. Thus, this is a book for those who can subdue their yearning to apprehend, even a little and perhaps achieve even more, of both the Latin and the English...or led by West's translations, to get another book from Amazon which includes the Latin.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
This item was delivered on time and just as it stated it would be. Very good book very informative. Would recommend to a friend.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Read this to prepare for your next local Italian restaurant visit!
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Excellent. Right edition. Delivered promptly
1.0 out of 5 stars offensive translation
I am sickened to have received a translation of Quid Tibi Vis that includes the infamous "N" word. This word choice is illogical and crude. I feel betrayed by the translator and the publisher. It will be a long time before I feel I can trust Penguin's books again.
One of the Greatest of the Ancients
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Timeless, eternal poetry from Horace. There are copious and prodigious notes a very detailed glossary which are a boon to the reader.
Enchanting
This is such a beautiful book, the language is so elegant and the stories are just enchanting. Would thoroughly recommend.
It’s a book
It’s a book-you can read it!
delightful
good translations...fun and poignant read
A superb poet, a pleasure to read
This is a Roman poet who is a pleasure to read, unlike some others, very entertaining. Recommended for dipping into at any time.
Visit the Horace (Author), David West (Author) Store
The Complete Odes and Epodes (Oxford World's Classics)
AED10888
Quantity:
Order today to get by
Free delivery on orders over AED 200
Imported From: United States
At bolo.ae, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.
We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.ae is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.
Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
bolo.ae operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Ancient & Classical”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0199555273
Visit the Horace (Author), David West (Author) Store
The Complete Odes and Epodes (Oxford World's Classics)
AED10888
Quantity:
Order today to get by
Free delivery on orders over AED 200
Imported From: United States
At bolo.ae, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.
We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.ae is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.
Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
bolo.ae operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be Read as Much as the Iliad or Odyssey
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } It is unfortunate Horace is not read as much in English as are translations of Homer or Vergil, or Beowulf for that matter. Horace, in the whole sweep of history, has been one of the most influential of the great classical authors. As he explains in his poems, his "thing" was not to write epic narrative, but to write short poems, packed with meaning, imagery and sound. He models himself on Alcaeus and Pindar most of all, but on all the classical Greek lyrical poets really, and he conjures up a beautiful and enchanting, naturalistic and mythologized world of the ancient Mediterranean. These kind of poems are meant to be read over again, and even memorized and meditated upon - slightly different than epic, where you read more, and everything connects to everything else. Horace's poems make statements about life, death, society, morality, nationalism, fighting prowess, glory, love, sex, falling trees, the world, nature, the universe, animals, the gods, the supernatural, magic, etc, etc, etc! This kind of expansive cacophony needs lyric poetry to express itself in a comprehensible format, and lyric poetry needs a great mind and a great motivation to make itself written. Horace was perfectly placed for this. He had experience in war, peace and politics, in love and death, in poverty and wealth. He was highly educated in the Greek classics. He was close to the first Roman emperor's Prime Minister of state - Maecenas. Latin had virtually no great short poetry yet, and Horace was hired to create some. Otherwise, who would be motivated to write such things in an age without the internet or the printing press? We are lucky that he was motivated to write and we are lucky that the right man was hired for the job! His poetry became, along with Vergil's of course, the stamp of Romanness, and defined a civilization - a civilization that ours descends directly from. Horace's poetry was never forgotten, and was one of the most respected staples of a "proper education" right through the so-called "Dark" and Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, and well into the 20th Century! I do read Latin, but I highly recommend reading this stuff in English, since very few people read Latin well anymore. I like West's rhythmical, free verse. It is very convincing as English free verse, and it's giving you the Latin meaning very clearly. By all means, please do read it in Latin if you can! Then you can enjoy the poetical artistry of Horace directly. But even without Latin, West does a magnificent job of Englishing it. All people interested in poetry, literature, or Western Civilization generally should read and reread this book!
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent edition!
I appreciate the translation, Intro., full supply of notes, and glossary, as well as Chronology and biography of Horace.Excellent edition!
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
A wonderful translation!
4.0 out of 5 stars "Perfumed with roses..."
Long beloved for his compassion, his exquisite music, his own gentle life, the often-translated Horace is most beautifully given to us again by David West. Listen to Book II, Ode XI, Qui Bellicosus: "Life asks so little. Smooth-faced youth and beauty runs away behind us....drink, while we may, our grey heads perfumed with roses..." Horace describes himself as a Epicurean, choosing to live on the Sabine farm made possible by his friend, the legendary wealthy Maecenas.In addition to translations of all the Epodes and Odes, West provides a fine introduction to the man, to his works, and to the world of Rome under Augustus. Together with over 60 pages of notes, this is a worthy addition to almost anyone's library of treasured books. For the price, it is a splendid value although one that could have been enhanced by providing the Latin for each poem.There can be debate about this. As West remarks, "Translation of poetry is impossible but translations of Horace's odes is inconceivable...What is offered here...enable non-Latin readers to gain some understanding of the detail of the poetry and how it works, and to do so in English which can be read without revulsion." He certainly does that; indeed the poems can be read aloud with great pleasure with or without the wine and roses, though better still with a friend inclined to rejoicing under a plane tree with a cask laid down and sealed with Horace's own hands. And true, one rarely (for example in Helen Waddell's translations of some of the medieval lyrics of the wandering scholars or Robin Flower's luminous translation of "Pangur Ban") can achieve a translation close to the original. So---the argument can run---why add to the price or bother with printing the odes themselves.Yet, even without mastery of Latin, the loveliness and complexity of the meters can be appreciated, adding still further to our love for this lovely and complex man. Thus, this is a book for those who can subdue their yearning to apprehend, even a little and perhaps achieve even more, of both the Latin and the English...or led by West's translations, to get another book from Amazon which includes the Latin.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
This item was delivered on time and just as it stated it would be. Very good book very informative. Would recommend to a friend.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Read this to prepare for your next local Italian restaurant visit!
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Excellent. Right edition. Delivered promptly
1.0 out of 5 stars offensive translation
I am sickened to have received a translation of Quid Tibi Vis that includes the infamous "N" word. This word choice is illogical and crude. I feel betrayed by the translator and the publisher. It will be a long time before I feel I can trust Penguin's books again.
One of the Greatest of the Ancients
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Timeless, eternal poetry from Horace. There are copious and prodigious notes a very detailed glossary which are a boon to the reader.
Enchanting
This is such a beautiful book, the language is so elegant and the stories are just enchanting. Would thoroughly recommend.
It’s a book
It’s a book-you can read it!
delightful
good translations...fun and poignant read
A superb poet, a pleasure to read
This is a Roman poet who is a pleasure to read, unlike some others, very entertaining. Recommended for dipping into at any time.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Ancient & Classical”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0199555273