Vergil: The Poet's Life

The renowned translator of the Aeneid, Ms. Ruden, presents a sympathetic and three-dimensional portrayal of Vergil, the greatest poet of Rome, in her biography. She reconstructs his life using evidence from Roman life and history, revealing a poet committed to creating something astonishingly new and memorable at great personal cost.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

The Aeneid, a masterpiece of Classical Roman literature, stands as a captivating portrayal of human nature's triumphs and tragedies. During the composition of this epic poem, Vergil (70–19 BCE) achieved unprecedented fame as the world's first media celebrity, a living legend. However, the true essence of Vergil remains shrouded in mystery, with limited information available about his life. Born into a modest rural family, he led a secluded and solitary existence, driven by an unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence. Despite facing poor health and unconventional emotional vulnerabilities, Vergil tirelessly dedicated himself to achieving groundbreaking new effects in verse.

Vergil's most renowned work, the Aeneid, was commissioned by Emperor Augustus and published despite Vergil's dying wish that it be destroyed. In her acclaimed translation of the Aeneid, Sarah Ruden employs a combination of evidence from Roman life and history alongside Vergil's own writings to meticulously reconstruct his life. Through her deep understanding of Vergil's work, Ruden breathes life into a poet who was fiercely committed to creating something extraordinary and enduring, even at the cost of great personal sacrifice.

Ruden's portrayal of Vergil is a sympathetic and three-dimensional one, challenging the traditional perception of the poet as a noble and stodgy "ancient." She presents him as a relatable and flawed individual, navigating the complexities of love, ambition, and the human condition. By delving into Vergil's personal struggles and emotional vulnerabilities, Ruden sheds light on the man behind the legend, revealing a poet who was driven by a profound desire to leave a lasting legacy through his art.

The existence of the Aeneid itself is a cause for gratitude, as it remains a testament to the enduring power of classical literature. Ruden's translation is a testament to her skill and dedication as a translator, capturing the essence of Vergil's verse and conveying its emotional impact to modern readers. Her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to evoke the spirit of ancient Rome make the Aeneid accessible and engaging, allowing a new generation of readers to appreciate the brilliance of Vergil's work.

In conclusion, Sarah Ruden's biography of Vergil offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the life of one of Rome's greatest poets. Through her meticulous research and skillful translation, Ruden breathes life into Vergil, presenting him as a sympathetic, three-dimensional figure and challenging the traditional perceptions of his character. The Aeneid, as a masterpiece of classical literature, continues to inspire and captivate readers, and Ruden's translation plays a vital role in ensuring its legacy remains accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300256611