The Satires

The Satires Synopsis

BLA new translation combining textual accuracy with colourful poetry Juvenal, whose work dates from the early second century AD, is commonly considered the greatest of Roman satirical poets. His sixteen satires are all concerned with contemporary Roman society. They are notable for their bitter, ironical humour, power of invective, grim epigrams, sympathy with the poor, and a narrow pessimism.

Juvenal's influence was great among English satirists, notably Samuel Johnson. In this new translation of the Satires, Professor Rudd combines textual accuracy with colourful poetry. His verse vividly conveys Juvenal's gift for evoking a wealth of imagery with a few economical phrases.

The introduction and notes provided by Dr Barr outline the background to the Satires and explain contemporary allusions. This translation should therefore be fully accessible to the modern reader.