The Aeneid

The Aeneid

Review The Aeneid is one of those classics that nobody can ever get into, but this version [brought to you by HighBridge Audio] is an absolute knockout, reclaiming the book's dark vitality and raw depictions of the fortunes of men at war. -- Tribune-Review, Sept. 15, 1996Top 20 Audio of 1995 -- Library Journal, May 15, 1996Winner of the Earphones Award. Robert Fitzgerald's stirring, poetic translation of Virgil's great epic [brought to you by HighBridge Audio] depicting the fall of Troy and the founding of the Roman Empire captures the reader's imagination and heart. Christopher Ravenscroft carries the reader through the dense, image-laden poetry with power and finesse, separating images and giving each character indelible impression....Ravenscroft seems to become the crafty Greek, the despairing lover, the valiant warrior or the jealous heir to the Throne of Latinus. Don't miss it! -- Audiofile, June 1996 Robert Fitzgerald's magnificent translation of Virgil's epic poem was a major literary event at its release in 1983; today it is an acknowledged masterpiece. Profoundly poetic yet gloriously accessible, this is the best way to experience a work that has remained a centerpiece of Western civilization for 2,000 years. Fitzgerald's rendering speaks directly to the modern listener, inviting us to share the excitement, adventure, and human tears as Aeneas, the warrior hero, escapes from the burning city of Troy, embarks on a long and perilous journey, and eventually, triumphantly establishes a new nation: Rome. About the Author ROBERT FITZGERALD was Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory Emeritus at Harvard University, a member of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. He also translated the Iliad and Odyssey. From AudioFile "I sing of warfare, and a man at war"...From the heart-lifting trumpet fanfare and majestic opening statement, Robert Fitzgerald's stirring, poetic translation of Virgil's great epic depicting the fall of Troy and the founding of the Roman Empire captures the reader's imagination and heart. The characters and situations are so many that HighBridge includes a glossary; however, it's rarely needed. Christopher Ravenscroft carries the reader through the dense, image-laden poetry with power and finesse, separating images and giving each character an indelible impression. The narrative segments are recited in an intense voice with a breathy, "close-to-the mike" quality; these contrast to scenes filled with human drama, such as the opening of the Trojan Horse and the sacking of Troy, the grief and suicide of Dido, and the final battle between Aeneas and Turnus. Here Ravenscroft seems to become the crafty Greek, the despairing lover, the valiant warrior or the jealous heir to the Throne of Latinus. This is a long way from student struggles with " Arma virumque cano..." Don't miss it! L.R.S. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine