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Rating: 
Summary: Flashlight to the depths of Vergil
Review: This collection of interpretations about Vergil's Aeneid aids the reader in "understanding and appreciation of Vergil as literary artist and philosopher-poet." As a standard of Latin literature, the Aeneid is too often taught as an application of grammar, figures of speech, and scansion, skimming the surface over the depths of meaning. However, this compilation of essays is accessible to anyone interested in Vergil's epic, regardless of whether he or she has studied the original Latin. The book starts out with a synopsis of all 12 books of the Aeneid and several different translations of the first 11 lines. Throughout the book, quotations from the Latin are always translated. Stephanie Quinn's book gives a glimpse into the depths of meaning, offering varied views of Vergil's work as well as comparisons to other classic epics. Besides the meaning of the words, some essays deal with such topics as the structure of the poetry itself and the Golden Proportion, encouraging an appreciation for all aspects of the Aeneid. Others put the epic into context by providing background on religion, tradition, and history. "Why Vergil?" brings the Aeneid into a different light for each reader. The critical essays develop a background of historical and modern interpretations, allowing the reader to form his or her own understanding. Ultimately, then, the editor stays true to the original question: we choose to study Vergil because everyone finds a different meaning within his work.
Rating:
Summary: Flashlight to the depths of Vergil
Review: This collection of interpretations about Vergil's Aeneid aids the reader in "understanding and appreciation of Vergil as literary artist and philosopher-poet." As a standard of Latin literature, the Aeneid is too often taught as an application of grammar, figures of speech, and scansion, skimming the surface over the depths of meaning. However, this compilation of essays is accessible to anyone interested in Vergil's epic, regardless of whether he or she has studied the original Latin. The book starts out with a synopsis of all 12 books of the Aeneid and several different translations of the first 11 lines. Throughout the book, quotations from the Latin are always translated. Stephanie Quinn's book gives a glimpse into the depths of meaning, offering varied views of Vergil's work as well as comparisons to other classic epics. Besides the meaning of the words, some essays deal with such topics as the structure of the poetry itself and the Golden Proportion, encouraging an appreciation for all aspects of the Aeneid. Others put the epic into context by providing background on religion, tradition, and history. "Why Vergil?" brings the Aeneid into a different light for each reader. The critical essays develop a background of historical and modern interpretations, allowing the reader to form his or her own understanding. Ultimately, then, the editor stays true to the original question: we choose to study Vergil because everyone finds a different meaning within his work.
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