The Aeneid - by Virgil (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Written by the poet Virgil during the first century BCE, The Aeneid stands as the quintessential epic of the Roman Empire and a cornerstone of the Western literary canon. Commissioned during the reign of Augustus, this monumental work artfully weaves together the remnants of Trojan legend with the burgeoning destiny of Rome.
It follows the hero Aeneas, a man defined by his pietas--a profound sense of duty to his gods, family, and future--as he escapes the ruins of Troy and journeys across the Mediterranean. Through trials of love, war, and divine interference, Virgil crafts a sophisticated narrative that explores the high cost of empire and the heavy burden of fate. It remains an unparalleled study of national identity, human sacrifice, and the enduring power of myth.

About the Author

John Dryden (1631-1700) was the foundational figure of Restoration literature and England's first official Poet Laureate. A master of the heroic couplet, he dominated the literary landscape as a playwright, satirist, and critic. His monumental translation of Virgil's The Aeneid is considered a pinnacle of English letters; by "making Virgil speak such English as he would himself have spoken," Dryden transformed the Roman epic into a vibrant, rhythmic masterpiece that remained the definitive version for centuries.