Elegies

'Delia, when flames engulf my bier you'll weep for me, and then you'll mix your kisses with sad tears.' Tibullus (?55-18 BC) was one of a group of poets known as the Latin elegists, whose number included Ovid and Propertius. Living in the age of Augustus, his poems reflect Augustan ideals, but they are above all notable for their emphasis on the personal, and for their subject-matter, love. Tibullus' elegies are addressed to two different mistresses, Delia and Nemesis, and a boy, Marathus. His pious and idealistic love for Delia is replaced by a more tortured affair with the cruel Nemesis, and the poet's elegies to Marathus give a broader perspective to his treatment of the subject. Anguish and betrayal characterize Tibullus' depiction of love's changing fortunes, in poetry that is passionate, vivid, and sometimes haunting. In this parallel text edition, A. M. Juster's eloquent translations are accompanied by an introduction and notes from Robert Maltby which discuss Tibullus' work in its literary and historical context. Together they demonstrate the achievements of this fine Roman poet.ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Robert Maltby taught at Sheffield before moving to the University of Leeds, where he held the Chair of Latin Philology until his retirement in 2010. His books include Latin Love Elegy (Bristol Classical Press, 1980), and Tibullus, Elegies: Text, Introduction and Commentary (Francis Cairns, 2002). His Introduction to Latin (Wiley/Blackwell USA)is forthcoming 2011.

Juster's translation reproduces Tibullus's verses in simple yet polished language, and it contains many creative and appealing turns of phrase. The Classical Journal, Robert J. Ball A.M Juster's verse translation is clear and helpful ... an excellent introduction and notes Translation and Literature It is difficult to believe that they could possibly be better rendered into contemporary English. Gilbert Wesley Purdy, Eclectica