Robert Fitzgerald's magnificent translation of Virgil's epic poem was a major literary event at its release in 1983; today it is an acknowledged masterpiece. Profoundly poetic yet gloriously accessible, this is the best way to experience a work that has remained a centerpiece of Western civilization for 2,000 years.
Fitzgerald's rendering speaks directly to the modern listener, inviting us to share the excitement, adventure, and human tears as Aeneas, the warrior hero, escapes from the burning city of Troy, embarks on a long and perilous journey, and eventually, triumphantly establishes a new nation: Rome.
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"So I was forced to read this for school and I actually mostly enjoyed it. It wasn't like it was impossible to put down but it wasn't too hard to pick up either. I could put in each chapter summary I had to do for class, but that would just give away the whole story and there would be no point in you reading it. If you like classics this is definitely worth it. If you like crazy monsters this is definitely worth it. If you like battles the second half is definitely worth it."
— Denise (4 out of 5 stars)
" Woo Virigil :) haha. Read this for my classics a level and I suppose a lot of people would prefer it to be a more elongated version of book four, but there are so many ideas and themes, and it's dripping with contemporary allusions, which are great for the history stuff, anyway, yeah, Turnus and Dido are two tragic characters, and the view on fate is a nice difference to ol' Homer "
— Imogen, 2/17/2014" This was very interesting - a lot of war and graphic imagery. I really liked it. "
— Samantha, 2/13/2014" Although it is an enjoyable story, The Aeneid is more than a tale of heroic deeds and destiny. Anyone who thinks Virgil is simply ripping off Homer, is not getting the point! This book is full of hidden treasures. Also, this translation is fantastic! Read it slowly and savor it. "
— Kenzie, 1/30/2014" I actually enjoyed this book. It's easier to read than The Iliad (for me). "
— Jana, 1/25/2014" Read it for college. I understand it's important, but this isn't most people's idea of a sit-down-and-read-it-all novel. "
— Peregrine, 1/7/2014" Not sure why, but I just wasn't enjoying listening to this one. Odd for something that's supposed to be read aloud! Maybe the narrator? "
— Emily, 1/5/2014" Ridiculously propoganda-like. Important for classical education! Includes the fall of Troy. "
— Jenny, 1/4/2014" A great read! Surely destined to become a classic. "
— Rebecca, 12/29/2013" dryden's verse translation is excellent "
— Anthony, 12/22/2013" It was alright - not as good as Homer's two epics. Very bland in comparison "
— Amanda, 11/29/2013" Loved Dido. But did the latter third have to be so bloody? "
— John, 11/27/2013Publius Vergilius Maro (70 BC–19 BC), usually called Virgil or Vergil in English, was a Roman poet of the Augustan period. He is known for three major works of Latin literature, the Eclogues (or Bucolics), the Georgics, and the epic Aeneid. He is traditionally ranked as one of Rome’s greatest poets. His Aeneid has been considered the national epic of ancient Rome from the time of its composition to the present day. He was born in a small village near Mantua in northern Italy and attended school at Cremona, Milan, and Rome, where he studied mathematics, medicine, and rhetoric. He devoted his life, from 30 to 19 BC, to the composition of The Aeneid, the national epic of Rome.