Publius Vergilius Maro 
An Essay on Virgil’s Æneid [EPUB ebook] 

Publius Vergilius Maro’s ‘An Essay on Virgil’s Æneid’ delves deep into the complexities of Virgil’s epic poem, providing readers with a critical analysis of its themes, characters, and historical context. Maro’s scholarly approach uncovers the layers of symbolism and allusion present in the work, shedding light on the moral and political messages embedded within. With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for literary nuance, Maro offers readers a comprehensive study of the masterpiece that is Virgil’s Æneid, making this book a valuable resource for students and scholars alike. The essay is written in a clear and accessible style, making it an engaging read for those interested in classical literature and Roman history. Maro’s in-depth exploration of Virgil’s epic poem provides a fresh perspective on this classic work, prompting readers to reconsider its significance and relevance in today’s world.

A propos de l’auteur

Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly known as Virgil, was a towering figure in Roman literature, providing substantial works that have influenced Western thought and poetry for centuries. Born on October 15, 70 BCE, near Mantua in northern Italy, Virgil was educated in rhetoric and philosophy. His poetic career began with the ‘Eclogues, ‘ a collection of ten pastoral poems, which he likely published around 39-38 BCE. These were followed by the ‘Georgics, ‘ a work of four books praising agricultural life, published around 29 BCE. However, Virgil’s magnum opus, the ‘Aeneid, ‘ for which he is most celebrated, was a national epic that sought to establish Rome’s historical and mythological roots, weaving a tale around the Trojan hero Aeneas and the foundation of what would eventually become Rome. Although ‘An Essay on Virgil’s Aeneid’ is often reflecting on Virgil’s work rather than by Virgil himself, it signifies the ceaseless scholarly engagement his epic has engendered. His literary style is marked by its beauty, dignity, and richness; his Latin is considered exemplary, even in an age of literary masters. The profound influence of Virgil’s work was recognized during his lifetime and has remained an unshakeable constant up to the present day. Dante, in his ‘Divine Comedy, ‘ immortalized Virgil as a symbol of human reason and as Dante’s guide through Hell and Purgatory, showing the continued reverence for the master poet. Virgil died in 19 BCE, before he completed the final revisions of the ‘Aeneid, ‘ a testament to his commitment to his craft and his enduring legacy in the canon of classical literature.