Catullus [Paperback]

C. J. Fordyce (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198721471 | ISBN-13: 978-0198721475 | Publication Date: November 22, 1990

This edition of eighty poems of Catullus is designed for college students. An introduction deals with the life of Catullus, his indebtedness to Alexandrian poetry, and the later history of the poems. The commentary interprets the poems in the light of modern linguistic and literary scholarship. The Latin text comes from the Oxford Classical Text edition edited by Roger Mynors.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin

About the Author

The late C.J. Fordyce was at University of Glasgow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 22, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198721471
• ISBN-13: 978-0198721475
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,105,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Commentary, September 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Catullus (Paperback)

Although incomplete, Fordyce presents an extremely scholarly commentary on the wonderful poetry of Catullus, perhaps one of the best yet most underrated poets in the history of western literature. Though some suggestions are somewhat outlandish (e.g. poem 13) many are thought-provoking and truly serve to legitimize Catullus and display his great genius and talent.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars There are better and worse..., September 27, 2000

By 

"latinchic" (Wakefield, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catullus (Paperback)

This particular slant on Catullus is not my favorite. The editor really seems to aim this book at those who have extensive knowledge of the Classical Languages. (some of the commentary is in attic greek) I am a high school student taking AP Latin who was given this text by my teacher because the book that I am supposed to be using is backordered. It takes me on the average twice as long to translate with this book than when I borrow the text that I should be working off of. (The Student's Catullus, by Garrison) Catullus, by Fordyce is not for the average student of latin, rather for the average latin teacher.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Text, December 17, 2006

By 

C. Frost (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Catullus (Paperback)

This book is not meant to be a translating guide. I have used and enjoyed the Student's Catullus published by the University of Oklahoma press. That said, Fordyce's commentary is the go-to guide for all students of Catullus. His commentary and insight are essential to understanding Catullus in the context of the late Republic and vis-a-vis Catullus' contemporaries. I have taken AP Latin Literature and I also recommend the AP Catullus book for those students. Fordyce's work is not meant to be used as an introduction to Catullus but a scholarly reference work. As a result, use it in a supplementary role when studying for the AP Latin Literature exam. Also recommended is Reading Latin Poetry, also published by the University of Oklahoma.