The Poems and Fragments of Catullus Translated in the Metres of the Original By: Gaius Valerius Catullus (84 BC - 54 BC)
In "The Poems and Fragments of Catullus Translated in the Metres of the Original," Gaius Valerius Catullus presents readers with a delightful and faithful translation of Catullus' captivating verse. This collection brings to life the genius of the ancient poet, ensuring his words resonate with contemporary readers. What sets this translation apart is the meticulousness with which Catullus captures the spirit of the original work. Each poem and fragment retains its inherent beauty, emotion, and intensity, as the translator skillfully molds English words to match the rhythms and meters of the Latin originals. This commitment to preserving the integrity of the source material allows readers to immerse themselves in the poetic world of Catullus, experiencing firsthand the rich tapestry of his language. Furthermore, Catullus' selection of poems showcases the breadth and depth of the original poet's range. From passionate love letters to scathing invectives, from lyrical musings to poignant elegies, Catullus effortlessly handles a plethora of emotions. Readers will find themselves engrossed in his exploration of love, friendship, desire, and loss - themes that are as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. One of the notable strengths of this translation lies in the eloquent and accessible language that Catullus employs. The poems flow effortlessly, carrying the reader from line to line, capturing the essence of the original without becoming encumbered by complicated syntax or overly ornate language. Catullus' admirable endeavors allow both classical enthusiasts and casual readers to engage with his work on an intimate level, immersing themselves in the vibrant and sometimes scandalous world of ancient Rome. In addition, this edition provides thorough annotations and commentary, enhancing the reader's understanding of Catullus' historical context and allusions. Supplementary essays shed light on the poet's life, influences, and the lasting impact of his work. These valuable additions make this translation an ideal entry point for those new to Catullus' poetry, as well as a valuable resource for scholars seeking a comprehensive understanding of the poet and his times. While many translations of Catullus exist, Gaius Valerius Catullus' "The Poems and Fragments of Catullus Translated in the Metres of the Original" stands out as a worthy addition to the canon. It immerses readers in the brilliant mind of the great Roman poet, capturing the essence of his work with grace and precision. True to the spirit of the originals, this translation breathes new life into Catullus' poetry, ensuring that his words continue to resonate with audiences across time and space. First Page: THE POEMS AND FRAGMENTS OF CATULLUS, TRANSLATED IN THE METRES OF THE ORIGINAL BY ROBINSON ELLIS, FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD, PROFESSOR OF LATIN IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. 1871. LONDON: BRADBURY, EVANS, AND CO., PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS. TO ALFRED TENNYSON. [Transcriber's note: The preface uses macrons and breves above some letters to indicate stresses. I have rendered the letters with breve inside parenthesis (like th(i)s) and the letters with macron inside square brackets (like th[i]s).] PREFACE. The idea of translating Catullus in the original metres adopted by the poet himself was suggested to me many years ago by the admirable, though, in England, insufficiently known, version of Theodor Heyse (Berlin, 1855). My first attempts were modelled upon him, and were so unsuccessful that I dropt the idea for some time altogether. In 1868, the year following the publication of my larger critical edition[A] of Catullus, I again took up the experiment, and translated into English glyconics the first Hymenaeal, Collis o Heliconici . Tennyson's Alcaics and Hendecasyllables had appeared in the interval, and had suggested to me the new principle on which I was to go to work. It was not sufficient to reproduce the ancient metres, unless the ancient quantity was reproduced also... Continue reading book >>

The Poems and Fragments of Catullus Translated in the Metres of the Original By: Gaius Valerius Catullus (84 BC - 54 BC)

In "The Poems and Fragments of Catullus Translated in the Metres of the Original," Gaius Valerius Catullus presents readers with a delightful and faithful translation of Catullus' captivating verse. This collection brings to life the genius of the ancient poet, ensuring his words resonate with contemporary readers.

What sets this translation apart is the meticulousness with which Catullus captures the spirit of the original work. Each poem and fragment retains its inherent beauty, emotion, and intensity, as the translator skillfully molds English words to match the rhythms and meters of the Latin originals. This commitment to preserving the integrity of the source material allows readers to immerse themselves in the poetic world of Catullus, experiencing firsthand the rich tapestry of his language.

Furthermore, Catullus' selection of poems showcases the breadth and depth of the original poet's range. From passionate love letters to scathing invectives, from lyrical musings to poignant elegies, Catullus effortlessly handles a plethora of emotions. Readers will find themselves engrossed in his exploration of love, friendship, desire, and loss - themes that are as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome.

One of the notable strengths of this translation lies in the eloquent and accessible language that Catullus employs. The poems flow effortlessly, carrying the reader from line to line, capturing the essence of the original without becoming encumbered by complicated syntax or overly ornate language. Catullus' admirable endeavors allow both classical enthusiasts and casual readers to engage with his work on an intimate level, immersing themselves in the vibrant and sometimes scandalous world of ancient Rome.

In addition, this edition provides thorough annotations and commentary, enhancing the reader's understanding of Catullus' historical context and allusions. Supplementary essays shed light on the poet's life, influences, and the lasting impact of his work. These valuable additions make this translation an ideal entry point for those new to Catullus' poetry, as well as a valuable resource for scholars seeking a comprehensive understanding of the poet and his times.

While many translations of Catullus exist, Gaius Valerius Catullus' "The Poems and Fragments of Catullus Translated in the Metres of the Original" stands out as a worthy addition to the canon. It immerses readers in the brilliant mind of the great Roman poet, capturing the essence of his work with grace and precision. True to the spirit of the originals, this translation breathes new life into Catullus' poetry, ensuring that his words continue to resonate with audiences across time and space.

First Page:

THE POEMS AND FRAGMENTS OF CATULLUS,

TRANSLATED IN THE METRES OF THE ORIGINAL

ROBINSON ELLIS,

FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD, PROFESSOR OF LATIN IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON.

LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. 1871.

LONDON: BRADBURY, EVANS, AND CO., PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS.

TO ALFRED TENNYSON.

[Transcriber's note: The preface uses macrons and breves above some letters to indicate stresses. I have rendered the letters with breve inside parenthesis (like th(i)s) and the letters with macron inside square brackets (like th[i]s).]

PREFACE.

The idea of translating Catullus in the original metres adopted by the poet himself was suggested to me many years ago by the admirable, though, in England, insufficiently known, version of Theodor Heyse (Berlin, 1855). My first attempts were modelled upon him, and were so unsuccessful that I dropt the idea for some time altogether. In 1868, the year following the publication of my larger critical edition[A] of Catullus, I again took up the experiment, and translated into English glyconics the first Hymenaeal, Collis o Heliconici . Tennyson's Alcaics and Hendecasyllables had appeared in the interval, and had suggested to me the new principle on which I was to go to work. It was not sufficient to reproduce the ancient metres, unless the ancient quantity was reproduced also... Continue reading book >>

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