Customer Reviews

The Aeneid: A New Prose Translation (Penguin Classics)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

West's translation is, in a word, excellent. In all of the years I have studied Latin, I have seen many translations of this legendary work of Virgil, and all of them have been verse translations. In my experience, I have found that such translations, at times, have clouded what Virgil wrote in the original Latin. This translation, however, is different. West decided to do a prose translation, and in doing so has captured the true essence of Virgil's work. It is not the same as reading the original Latin, but the beauty and eloquence in the original have been well represented in this translation. This is a translation that can be truly enjoyed by all, regardless of your age, gender, or education.

I must first say to you that I really do love the Aeneid. There are some brilliant sections contained in that epic. Its poetry goes unsurpassed in spots, and the characterization would not be matched for another thousand and more years in the Western tradition. It's also the most sophisticated of all the classical epics; not only does it tell the tale of a brave hero with the attributes most dear to his race(just like all the other epics), but it also serves as propaganda for Augustus Caesar(fun to analyze), warns about the costs of fate(witness Dido!), and inflicts deep pathos upon the reader, along with articulating the purpose of the Roman Empire.

However, this translation is by no means adequate to convey the meaning behind this tale. I've read the Latin, which is of course superior, but it isn't that hard to find a better translation. Epics are supposed to be in high language...that's how they sounded even to the Romans! This new translation cuts out many poetic passages and renders them in dull, conversational English. Perhaps it is the easiest to understand, but using that argument would lead to the elevation of "See Spot Run" as highest art.

I suggest W F Jackson Knight's translation instead; Penguin, knowing that this new one would NOT be for everybody, and that the discerning would look for something better, still prints the other one too! The poetry, the faithfulness, and all the other important attributes of translation are much better taken care of in that one, so beware David West's travesty and get the good stuff instead.

For individuals less inclined to reading verse, David West's prose translation will come as a long-awaited relief. David West does not discard those elements that make Virgil so pleasant to read, and suprisingly manages to convert and preserve the original song and eloquence that marks the beauty of Virgil's great classic, the Aenied. In contrast with other editions this is moderately recommended.

This is a somewhat different version of David West's Aeneid than the easily obtainable Penguin classic re-issue. In 2002 he revised his original translation of 1991. And I think, to his detriment.

Upon comparison, this version (Penguin's "Seven Wonders of the World" series) is by far a superior version. The tautness and simpleness of the original translation make this epic feel like an epic. He keeps Virgil's long breaths and gives Virgil's language a poetic and fiery contemporary idiom somewhat akin to Stanley Lombardo's translation.

I think this is by far one of the greatest translations of Virgil's masterpiece! But try to avoid his revised version.

The Roman Empire did not rise in a day. Over centuries it had to rely on sharp forged metal, professional soldiers, patriotic women, ambitious leaders, famine, surplus, and ingenuity. But these aggregate forces waxed and waned under its emperor. If the emperor was a nincompoop or a mamma's boy, the Empire suffered. If the emperor was a shrewd man who realized the burden of having all the power of the ancient world, the Empire flourished. The Aeneid was written during the reign of Caesar Augustus, a time when the empire flourised. Augustus was a man able to lead the Empire after the chaos when the Senate stuck it to Julius. There were lands to conquer, tribes to humiliate, slaves to be had. Augustus was smart enough to realize he had to sell the concept of Manifest Destiny to Rome, especially to the countless women who would have to watch their husbands, brothers, and boys go far away and not return. His friend, Virgil, came right into play. Probably at Augustus' prompting, Virgil wrote The Aeneid. If you read beyond the intriguing story (and excellent translation) you will see it is a propaganda tool for the ancient emperor. Peppered with reasons to expand and why you should hate Carthage, The Aeneid was a glorious, slick way to sell one of the most difficult ideas of any emerging powerful society. It worked.

I've read the Aeneid in verse, but this (high) prose translation of Virgil's great work knocked me over. The beauty and the power of the epic is so evident! The translator, David West, argues in the translator's introduction that the received wisdom that epics are best rendered into verse does not do justice to the power and range of modern English prose. I think he's right.

For anyone, like myself, whose eye is more accustomed to prose than poetry, this is a far better way to read this great classic. No doubt others are fine with verse (I like the translation by Stanley Lombardo), but I'm sure many modern readers will love a prose translation that is both clear and accessible but does not compromise on beauty in any way.

David West renders this classical work accessible with a flare and sensibility that is truly rare. In so doing he brings this masterpiece from the realm of scholars into the hearts and minds of students worldwide. West captures the pure power and scale and grandeur of Virgil through his enormous talent for rendering epic poetry into prose. And for me the words ring true through the accessible prose style of West. He is worthy of great credit for opening this ancient, mystical tale of war and peace, adventure and love, quest and conquest to students who can benefit from its richness. In many ways Aeneas is an ideal man: smart, strong, bold and existentially insatiable. Because so much can be learned from this one epic work, West has done us a great favor in the boldness of his vivid prose. Purists and elitists may advocate looking elsewhere. But for my money, Virgil comes alive in the fortunately forged prose of West. His rendering of this astonishing tale has left an indelible mark for the better in my life. Personally, I feel that I am a richer man intellectually because of the talent with which West enabled me to connect with Virgil.

It started out as a school assignment. It finished as an amazing read. The detail, the blood, the gore... Better than most modern novels...

This book is written clearly and vividly. The characters of Aeneus and Turtunus are created richly throughout the book. Aeneus and the rest of the characters in the epic are guided by the meddling gods. For they determine the outcome. I also liked how the book ended on a climax,

I ordered this book for my son's Latin class in high school -- he, of course, had not told me he needed it until the summer was almost over! This seller was quick to respond and the book was exactly as advertised. All in all a great transaction.