Catullus

Catullus Synopsis

Catullus is amongst the most widely read of Roman authors at school and university, but courses and textbooks have traditionally concentrated on a relatively limited range of poems. This study aims to broaden the focus, giving due weight to Catullus' invective and homoerotic verse and the carmina maiora or 'longer poems', alongside the more famous cycle centring on the poet's relationship with Lesbia. It situates Catullus within a range of cultural and literary contexts and takes full account of recent scholarship on gender and sexuality, Roman ideals of friendship and reciprocity, and the interpretation of intertextual echoes.

A final chapter is devoted to the reception of Catullus' work, from the Augustan period to the present day. The volume also includes a glossary of Latin sexual and social terminology; an appendix surveying translations, commentaries and other resources for the study of Catullus; and an extensive bibliography.