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The Aeneid

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The Aeneid

By: Virgil
Narrated by: Simon Callow
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About this listen

Here is the much-anticipated new translation of Virgil's epic poem from the award-winning translator Robert Fagles.

The publication of a new translation by Fagles is a literary event. His translations of both the Iliad and Odyssey have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and have become the standard translations of our era. Now, with this stunning modern verse translation, Fagles has reintroduced Virgil's Aeneid to a whole new generation, and completed the classical triptych at the heart of Western civilization.

The Aeneid is a sweeping epic of arms and heroism and a searching portrait of a man caught between love, duty, and the force of his own destiny. Here, Fagles brings to life the timeless journey of Aeneas as he flees the ashes of Troy to found Roman society and change forever the course of the Western world.

Fagles' translation retains all of the gravitas and humanity of the original as well as its powerful blend of poetry and myth.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2006 Robert Fagles
(P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. All rights reserved. Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics Collections Young Adult Ancient History Classic English Literature For Teens

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All stars
Most relevant  
I enjoyed it , the fall of Troy , the romance of queen Dido and the founding of Rome.

Good story

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Very, very theatrical - throws himself into the narration. Some won’t like it, but once I got over my initial shock I thought it was fantastic.

Loved it!

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Performance is a bit difficult to listen to on earphones as he often speaks so loud you have to turn down the volume, only to practically whisper so you have to turn it up again! Otherwise very good.

Amazing story

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Usually it is hard to listen to these archaic stories but this translation and narration really brings it to life.

Great translation, legendary narration

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Simon narrations are impeccable. But for the story itself, great classic Virgil but feels like a second class Odyssey. in my humble opinion.

it's called Eneidas for a reason

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I'm a bit biased; I do like Simon Callow. And I have to say that he does a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. The chapter describing the fall of Troy is a particular highlight.

It is hard going in places though, which is more to do with the text than the narration but it is a great story, told very well.

Simply wonderful!

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Simon Callow provides gripping narration to this epic. The Aeneid is a must read and I recommend you read it. This audio book is a good supplement and brings this tragic tail of war ,love, suicide and humanity; at the hand of the gods, to life.

excellent

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I throughly enjoy Homer I have listened to and read the Iliad and the Odyssey a number of times, especially the former which I would go as far as saying I consider to be a fundamental piece on the way I think and view life, death and legacy.

However for whatever reason I had never approached the Aeneid. From the start I was hooked the brilliant retelling of events in chapter 2 (If memory serves me right) regarding the fall of Troy and how the refugees fled the city, the loss of Aneas' wife and how he shoulders his aged father from the ruins were moving. They speak to our modern world in many ways.

The following chapters at Didos court and the tragedy that follows were also intriguing, moving and meaningful you can really feel the sorrow of Dido but also of her poor sister. The travels towards Italy and into the underworld were also very entertaining.

Upon reaching Italy the book changes somewhat in tone. I must admit I found it hard at times to fully follow the story of the war between the Trojans and the Latins. Perhaps a closer listen or a read is required. However I must say that by chapter 9 or 10 i was fully back and engaged with the story. The death of Pallas, the war rage of Camilla and the final battle where Aneas is stalking the mists and ruins of the battle field hunting Turnus is extraordinary.

The political connotations of the work are also highly interesting when we consider why this work came into being and the multitude of times the work glorifies or predicts the rise and power of Rome. Whilst this can at times be jarring, especially for those coming to this from Homer, it is undoubtedly interesting to see and certainly gives the work a more grounded base, unlike Homer which to me feels very mythic both in the telling of the story and in the context of the story itself.

The text itself is very friendly and modern in its translation without losing the ancient feel or to much of the meter of the poetry. The narration is also wonderful, Callow really becomes passionate during the explosive scenes almost shouting out the lines alike to a live performance.

A good continuation of the epic tradition

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A classic completely ruined by Simon Callow chewing all the scenery in sight. To say his over-acting gets in the way of the poem is a vast understatement.

Paradise lost!

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Simon Callow & the Fagles translation takes you back to how this epic was meant to be enjoyed

epic in every sense

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