Product Description

This edition offers the first full-scale commentary on the neglected second book of Lucan's epic poem on the civil war between Caesar and Pompey: De bello civili. It pays particular attention to Lucan's inheritance from Virgil's Augustan epic and response to its challenge. The introduction gives a general account of Lucan's life and work, a discussion of his narrative, a survey of language, style and meter, and a brief history of the text. The commentary offers assistance with grammar and translation and aims to provide the political, historical and geographical background to Lucan's epic narrative.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #885969 in Books
• Published on: 1992-06-26
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .65 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 260 pages

Review
"From the commentary's wealth of insights, observations and contextualizations one could single out items from every page which are worthy of note or lead to further literary reflection. Suffice it to say that in the preparation of this commentary [Elaine Fantham] has done Lucan and his readers an extremely valuable and lasting service." Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"This edition has much to offer to reader of the Pharsalia at any level whether he be newcomer, graduate student, or veteran of Lucan studies." Classical World