The Poems

In this edition of Catullus' poetry, Guy Lee provides a text for the scholar and a facing translation for students and the general reader which is as faithful to the Latin as possible. As well as Catullus' mastery of lyric, invective epigram and themes from romantic legend, the translation also reflects the passionate, sometimes obscene, but always intensely personal nature of the Latin. Throughout there is an honesty to human emotions in all their variety that is intrinsic to Catullus' style and of immediate appeal. One famous example is the set of poems dedicated to his lover Lesbia. Guy Lee has also included an introduction to the poet and to his life and work and explanatory notes to the text and translation. There is also a chronology and brief bibliography.