Poetic Interplay

Catullus and Horace

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Ancient & Classical
Cover of the book Poetic Interplay by Michael C.J. Putnam, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael C.J. Putnam ISBN: 9781400827428
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: April 11, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Michael C.J. Putnam
ISBN: 9781400827428
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: April 11, 2009
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

The lives of Catullus and Horace overlap by a dozen years in the first century BC. Yet, though they are the undisputed masters of the lyric voice in Roman poetry, Horace directly mentions his great predecessor, Catullus, only once, and this reference has often been taken as mocking. In fact, Horace's allusion, far from disparaging Catullus, pays him a discreet compliment by suggesting the challenge that his accomplishment presented to his successors, including Horace himself. In Poetic Interplay, the first book-length study of Catullus's influence on Horace, Michael Putnam shows that the earlier poet was probably the single most important source of inspiration for Horace's Odes, the later author's magnum opus.

Except in some half-dozen poems, Catullus is not, technically, writing lyric because his favored meters do not fall into that category. Nonetheless, however disparate their preferred genres and their stylistic usage, Horace found in the poetry of Catullus, whatever its mode of presentation, a constant stimulus for his imagination. And, despite the differences between the two poets, Putnam's close readings reveal that many of Horace's poems echo Catullus verbally, thematically, or both. By illustrating how Horace often found his own voice even as he acknowledged Catullus's genius, Putnam guides us to a deeper appreciation of the earlier poet as well.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The lives of Catullus and Horace overlap by a dozen years in the first century BC. Yet, though they are the undisputed masters of the lyric voice in Roman poetry, Horace directly mentions his great predecessor, Catullus, only once, and this reference has often been taken as mocking. In fact, Horace's allusion, far from disparaging Catullus, pays him a discreet compliment by suggesting the challenge that his accomplishment presented to his successors, including Horace himself. In Poetic Interplay, the first book-length study of Catullus's influence on Horace, Michael Putnam shows that the earlier poet was probably the single most important source of inspiration for Horace's Odes, the later author's magnum opus.

Except in some half-dozen poems, Catullus is not, technically, writing lyric because his favored meters do not fall into that category. Nonetheless, however disparate their preferred genres and their stylistic usage, Horace found in the poetry of Catullus, whatever its mode of presentation, a constant stimulus for his imagination. And, despite the differences between the two poets, Putnam's close readings reveal that many of Horace's poems echo Catullus verbally, thematically, or both. By illustrating how Horace often found his own voice even as he acknowledged Catullus's genius, Putnam guides us to a deeper appreciation of the earlier poet as well.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book The Battle for Yellowstone by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Phishing for Phools by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Machiavelli's God by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Cold War Civil Rights by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book American Prophets by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Thrive by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Social Trends in American Life by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book The Holy Roman Empire by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Wild Profusion by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book More Than You Wanted to Know by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book The Lost History of Liberalism by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Of Empires and Citizens by Michael C.J. Putnam
Cover of the book Viewpoints by Michael C.J. Putnam
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy