Fasti (Oxford World's Classics) - Softcover

Ovid; Wiseman, Anne; Wiseman, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192824112 ISBN 13: 9780192824110

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2013

Synopsis

"Times and their reasons, arranged in order through the Latin year, and constellations sunk beneath the earth and risen, I shall sing."

Ovid's poetical calendar of the Roman year is both a day-by-day account of festivals and observances and their origins, and a delightful retelling of myths and legends associated with particular dates. Written in the late years of the emperor Augustus, and cut short when the emperor sent the poet into exile, the poem's tone ranges from tragedy to farce, and its subject matter from astronomy and obscure ritual to Roman history and Greek mythology. Among the stories Ovid tells at length are those of Arion and the dolphin, the rape of Lucretia, the shield that fell from heaven, the adventures of Dido's sister, the Great Mother's journey to Rome, the killing of Remus, the bloodsucking birds, and the murderous daughter of King Servius. The poem also relates a wealth of customs and beliefs, such as the unluckiness of marrying in May.

This lively new edition by Anne and Peter Wiseman is the only modern prose translation of Ovid's Fasti and also the most accurate. The Wisemans also include an informative introduction to the calendar, numerous helpful notes, a detailed index of names, and a glossary of Latin terms.

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Anne Wiseman and Peter Wiseman, Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Exeter

Review:

Review from previous edition: "a thorough and meticulous work, distinguished by accuracy and fidelity to the Latin, and it will surely suit the serious Latinless reader who desires a reliable guide to this challenging and remarkable poem''

--Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2012.04.36

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0192824112
• ISBN 13: 9780192824110
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224