Civil War

by Lucan, Edward Ridley (Translator)

Overview

The great Roman poet Lucan is considered one of the most important Latin Poets of all time. His masterful epic "Pharsalia", or "Civil War" chronicles the dynamic battle between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The Great Civil War led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the Roman Empire. "Civil War" is divided into ten books, tracking Caesar's march to Rome, through Spain, and finally to Egypt. The cast of characters is wide: Brutus, Cicero, and Cleopatra all have parts, creating a singular epic. The poem is rooted in history though Lucan uses his poetic gift to create a work of literature that is as symbolic and moving as it is informative. Lucan's clear and energetic verse brings one of the most important wars in history to life. The cruel and exacting Caesar is witnessed here like nowhere else in literature. Civil War brilliantly comments on violence, politics, and sacrifice. For the student of Roman history and the lover of epic poetry, Lucan's "Civil War" is not to be missed. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781420967739
Publisher:	Digireads.com
Publication date:	03/11/2020
Pages:	236
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.54(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Matthew Fox is Visiting Professor of Classics at Rutgers University.

Ethan Adams is an assistant professor in classics at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

Table of Contents

Preface Matthew Fox ix

Introduction and Notes Matthew Fox Ethan Adams xi

Suggestions for Further Reading li

Notes on the Text and Translation lv

Chronology of Roman Historical Events lxi

Map lxiv

Civil War

Appendix: Satyricon 317

Greek and Latin Names for the Winds 331

Notes 332

Glossary 445

Editorial Reviews

Matthew Fox’s new translation of Lucan’s poem, together with the introduction, notes, and glossary he co-authored with Ethan Adams, is most welcome. His translation gives us a new look at the poem, and the ancillary materials provide a general audience with necessary social, historical, and literary information…readers will find Fox’s spirited, fastpaced rendering a pleasure.” — Jane Wilson Joyce, The New Republic

"I was deeply impressed. It is not just another translation: it has a special intensity and vibe, and I am recommending it to whoever teaches Lucan and also to people interested in contemporary translations of poetry. The quality of the footnotes and summaries is also noteworthy." — Professor Alessandro Barchiesi, Stanford Universityof Si

"I teach this poem as part of an MA seminar course on the epic tradition, and I was most impressed at its suitability for students. The translation is fluent and readable, yet still manages to convey something of the violent and jagged nature of Lucan's epic style. The excerpt from Petronius included as an appendix will be especially valuable in situating the poet in his literary context. I look forward to assigning this translation as a core text for many years to come." — Dr. Martin Brady at University College Dublin, School of Classics

"I think it is a fantastic translation—-really a scholarly commentary and literary interpretation as much as a translation. I shall be very lucky to consult it in future classes and for my research! Thanks again for sending it. The authors have definitely done a remarkable job and it will surely become the standard translation of this difficult poem." — Leah Kronenberg, Rutgers University

From the Publisher

"I think it is a fantastic translation—-really a scholarly commentary and literary interpretation as much as a translation. I shall be very lucky to consult it in future classes and for my research! Thanks again for sending it. The authors have definitely done a remarkable job and it will surely become the standard translation of this difficult poem."

Leah Kronenberg

"I teach this poem as part of an MA seminar course on the epic tradition, and I was most impressed at its suitability for students. The translation is fluent and readable, yet still manages to convey something of the violent and jagged nature of Lucan's epic style. The excerpt from Petronius included as an appendix will be especially valuable in situating the poet in his literary context. I look forward to assigning this translation as a core text for many years to come."

Dr. Martin Brady at University College Dublin

"I was deeply impressed. It is not just another translation: it has a special intensity and vibe, and I am recommending it to whoever teaches Lucan and also to people interested in contemporary translations of poetry. The quality of the footnotes and summaries is also noteworthy."

Professor Alessandro Barchiesi

“Matthew Fox’s new translation of Lucan’s poem, together with the introduction, notes, and glossary he co-authored with Ethan Adams, is most welcome. His translation gives us a new look at the poem, and the ancillary materials provide a general audience with necessary social, historical, and literary information…readers will find Fox’s spirited, fastpaced rendering a pleasure.

Jane Wilson Joyce