Virgil, Vol 2: Aeneid Books 7-12, Appendix Vergiliana

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Virgil, Volume Ii : Aeneid Books 7-12, Appendix Vergiliana (Loeb Classical Library, No 64) Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro) was born in 70 BCE near Mantua and was educated at Cremona, Milan and Rome. Slow in speech, shy in manner, thoughtful in mind, weak in health, he went back north for a quiet life. Influenced by the group of poets there, he may have written some of the doubtful poems included in our Virgilian manuscripts. All his undoubted extant work is written in his perfect hexameters. Earliest comes the collection of ten pleasingly artificial bucolic poems, the Eclogues, which imitated freely Theocritus's idylls. They deal with pastoral life and love. Before 29 BCE came one of the best of all didactic works, the four books of Georgics on tillage, trees, cattle, and bees. Virgil's remaining years were spent in composing his great, not wholly finished, epic the Aeneid, on the traditional theme of Rome's origins through Aeneas of Troy. Inspired by the Emperor

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July 15,2025
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His Minor Poems are truly intriguing.

These lesser-known works hold a certain charm that draws the reader in.

Each poem seems to be a little gem, waiting to be discovered and explored.

The language used is often simple yet profound, capable of evoking a range of emotions.

Some of the poems may deal with themes such as love, nature, or the human condition, while others may be more abstract or experimental.

Despite their relative obscurity, His Minor Poems have the potential to offer a unique and valuable perspective on the world.

They may not have received the same level of attention as his major works, but they are no less worthy of study and appreciation.

Perhaps it is in these minor poems that we can find the true essence of the poet's creativity and vision.

So, if you are looking for something new and different to read, give His Minor Poems a chance.

You may be surprised by what you discover.

July 15,2025
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Six stars!!


Honestly, after having read the first six books multiple times, I had braced myself for a possible letdown and boredom when approaching the second half of the story. However, I was most pleasantly surprised. The second six books, which Vergil himself refers to as his "maius opus" or greater work, in my view, have just as many merits as the first six. There are numerous delightful and unexpected episodes that keep the reader engaged. Moreover, the character duos are truly remarkable. Take, for example, Euryalus and Nisus, whose friendship is both touching and tragic. Then there's Evander and Pallas, who bring a different dynamic to the narrative. And, of course, we can't forget Aeneas and Turnus, whose conflict is one of the central themes of the epic. This is a work that I would absolutely love to explore in-depth with some of my students someday. (*A little nudge-nudge to any NSA students reading this!*) I believe it has the potential to spark great discussions and insights into the human condition and the nature of heroism.
July 15,2025
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This half of the work seemed to be somewhat blander than the first. However, that might very well be due to my own state of tiredness, tension, and impatience.

If, for any strange or unusual reason, you, dear reader, have come across my review, it is important to know that I hold Williams in very high regard. The only thing that I would like to add to my remarks regarding the idiosyncrasies of his commentary, as reviewed in the first half, is that some of those can be explained by the fact that students often have to read only one part or, for example, 400 lines of the poem. And Williams, in an effort to be thorough for the sake of those poor souls, can sometimes become repetitious. This, in turn, risks mildly annoying those obsessive-compulsive perfectionists who simply cannot abandon a story in the middle of an absolute ablative.

That being said, make the most of your fortune, reader.
July 15,2025
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I have a great affection for this particular edition.

The reason being that it comes in two volumes, which makes it extremely portable. I can easily carry it around with me wherever I go, whether it's to the library, on a commute, or while traveling.

Moreover, the notes provided in this edition are truly helpful and concise. They offer valuable insights and explanations that enhance my understanding of the text.

Although the OCT (Oxford Classical Texts) is indeed very nice, it is not always practical to rely solely on it. Having some decent notes like those in this edition from time to time can be a great asset.

It allows me to quickly refer to important points and gain a better grasp of the content without having to spend excessive amounts of time searching through a more comprehensive but perhaps less user-friendly resource.

Overall, this edition with its two volumes and useful notes is a great choice for anyone interested in the subject matter.
July 15,2025
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How whiny can one grown man be?

To find out, one needs to read this.

I have absolutely no empathy for the main character.

Frankly speaking, his treatment of Dido is such that it should earn him scorn for all eternity.

If he hadn't already earned it by being a whiny loser.

He always believes that nothing wrong is ever his fault.

And he is, quite frankly, ungrateful to those who offer him help.

His constant whining and self-pity make it difficult to have any sympathy for him.

It seems as if he is determined to wallow in his own misery and blame everyone else for his problems.

Perhaps if he took some responsibility for his actions and showed a little gratitude, people might be more inclined to help him.

But as it stands, he is just a whiny, ungrateful loser who doesn't deserve any sympathy or support.

July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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Books 7-8 are an important part of a series or collection. They often build upon the foundation laid in the previous volumes, taking the story or subject matter to new heights.

These books may introduce new characters, plot twists, or ideas that keep the reader engaged and eager to discover what comes next. They might explore deeper themes, offer more in-depth analysis, or present different perspectives.

Whether it's a work of fiction or non-fiction, books 7-8 have the potential to provide valuable insights, entertainment, and inspiration. They can transport the reader to different worlds, challenge their thinking, or simply offer a break from reality.

In conclusion, books 7-8 are an essential part of any literary journey, and their significance should not be overlooked.
July 15,2025
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Liber VIII is truly a remarkable piece of work that I absolutely loved.

In this book, we witness the arrival of Aeneas at Evander, which sets the stage for a series of captivating events. The story of Hercules and Cacus adds an exciting and heroic element to the narrative.

However, it is the description of the shield of Aeneas that truly stands out. This shield not only showcases Vergilius' remarkable literary skills but also serves as a powerful ideological tool, supporting the regime of Augustus.

The clipeus perfectly illustrates how Vergilius used his work to convey a message of the glorious future that awaited the descendants of Aeneas, the Romans.

Struggling to understand the verses of one of Latin literature's all-time greats was an incredibly rewarding and fun experience.

Without a doubt, I would rate this book a 5/5. It is a masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its rich narrative, vivid descriptions, and profound ideological significance.

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