Horace: Epodes

The Epodes, with the first book of the Satires, were Horace’s first published work. They consist of a collection of seventeen poems in different versions of the iambus, the metre traditionally associated with lampoon. David Mankin’s introduction and commentary examine all aspects of Horace’s relationship with his models and of the technical accomplishment of his verse; it also gives help with linguistic problems. His edition places the Epodes firmly in their literary and historical context: Rome at the time of its greatest crisis, the Civil War which ended the Republic and led to the establishment of the Principate. Students and scholars alike will welcome this commentary, only the second in any language since the 1930s and the only one providing a full and detailed interpretation in English.

• The first commentary on the Epodes providing a full and detailed interpretation in English • This commentary will make it possible for students to study the Epodes in class • It incorporates many new views about the relationship of Horace’s poetry to its Greek models

Introduction: 1. Horace; 2. Historical background; 3. The Epodes and early Greek iambus; 4. The Epode book; 5. Language and style; 6. Metre; 7. The text; Q. HORATI FLACCI IAMBORVM LIBER; Commentary; Appendices; Bibliography; Indexes to the commentary.