Fasti
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Author Description
"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.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Ovid attempts to catalog the Roman calendar through a poetic exploration of festivals, astronomical movements, and the mythological origins of religious observances. As the narrator, Ovid navigates the cyclical nature of the Roman year, balancing the rigid structure of the calendar with the fluid, often chaotic nature of the myths he recounts. He faces the challenge of reconciling state-sanctioned ritual with the darker, more human elements of Roman history and Greek legend. The narrative framework is didactic yet lyrical, serving as both a guide to the Roman year and a repository of cultural lore, written during the final years of the Augustan era.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Chronological arrangement following the Roman calendar
- Integration of astronomical observations and constellations
- Retelling of foundational Roman myths and legends
- Shifts in tone between tragic accounts and farcical anecdotes
- Detailed exploration of religious rituals and social customs
- Commentary on the historical significance of specific dates
- Inclusion of scholarly introduction and explanatory notes
- Glossary of Latin terms and index of names
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and scholars frequently highlight the unique position of this work as both a historical document and a piece of creative literature. Discussion often centers on the tension between Ovid's playful, sometimes irreverent tone and the serious subject matter of Roman religious practice. Critics note the effectiveness of the prose translation in making complex mythological references accessible to a modern audience. The text is widely regarded as a primary source for understanding the intersection of Roman identity and the influence of Greek mythology on daily life. Readers often appreciate the balance between the structured calendar format and the expansive, digressive nature of the storytelling.
Page Count:
224
Publication Date:
2013-04-06
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192824112
ISBN-13:
9780192824110
Poetry
Classical
Roman History
Mythology
Ancient History
