The Complete Odes and Epodes: with the Centennial Hymn (Penguin Classics)

Horace (65-8 BC) was one of the greatest of all lyric poets. He enjoyed the friendship and support of the rulers of the Roman world and praised them without forfeiting his independence of spirit. He admired Greek poetry and emulated it in his own distinctive love poems, which are the more effective for being understated, and the Odes and Epodes are subtle, robust, and laced with a complex sense of humour. Horace's greatest creation is his own character, and his legacy is his enduring influence upon the lyric poetry of Europe. David West's superb new translation is supplemented by a helpful introduction illuminating Horace's unique poetic voice, extensive notes, a chronological survey, and a glossary of names. This edition also includes the Secular Hymn and Suetonius' 'Life of Horace'.