Horace: Odes IV and Carmen Saeculare Horace, edited by Richard F. Thomas, is an English-language study book that focuses on the in-depth analysis of the Carmen Saeculare and the fourth book of the Odes. The work is intended for, among others, undergraduate and graduate students engaged in classical literature and poetry.
Composed in 17 BC, the Carmen Saeculare marks Horace’s return to lyric poetry after a six-year pause. This edition includes the first complete English commentary since the 19th century, in which Thomas explores both the political and personal dimensions of the poems. The book highlights the tension between nostalgia and political praise, and places the individual lyric works in their broader cultural context.
This edition is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students in the field of classical studies and literary criticism. It offers clear, detailed commentary that supports both students and scholars in understanding these important texts.
Series: Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics
In terms of content, this edition aligns with topics such as literary studies (poetry and poets), classical antiquity, and literary criticism, including poetry.