Frederick Ahl's new translation captures the excitement, poetic energy,
and intellectual force of the original in a way that has never been done
before. Ahl has used a version of Virgil's ancient hexameter, a
swift-moving six-beat line varying between twelve and seventeen
syllables, to reproduce the original poetry in a thrillingly accurate
and engaging style. This is an Aeneid that the first-time reader can
grasp and enjoy, and whose rendition of Virgil's subtleties of thought
and language will enthrall those already familiar with the epic. Unlike
most translators, Ahl has chosen to retain Virgil's word-play, the puns
and anagrams and other instances of the poet's ebullient wit. "Like
Shakespeare and the Greek tragedians, Virgil grasped that humor and
earnestness are not mutually exclusive in art any more than they are in
life. One should read the Aeneid not in solemn homage, but for
enjoyment." Enhanced by Elaine Fantham's Introduction, Ahl's
comprehensive notes and an
invaluable indexed glossary, this lively new translation brings readers
closer to the original and the myriad enjoyments to be found there.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has
made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the
globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to
scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other
valuable features, including expert introductions by leading
authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date
bibliographies for further study, and much more.
