In 'The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus', readers are invited to explore the evocative and diverse collection of poems by one of the late Roman Republic's most intriguing literary figures. Known for his emotive expressions and personal reflections, Catullus' oeuvre includes lyric poetry that ranges from passionate love epistles to caustic and playful invectives. Written in a concise and elegant style, Catullus' work operates within the Neoteric framework, characterized by its experimental departure from the epic tradition, inspiring a more personal and complex expression of emotions. This scholarly edition honors his contributions to poetry by meticulously preserving his text for contemporary study, ensuring an authentic literary experience true to the ancient origins of his work. Gaius Valerius Catullus was a poet of exceptional talent and influence, set against the volatile political tapestry of the first century BCE. His poetry reflects his tumultuous era, with personal relationships and his own emotional candor weaving through the greater narrative of Rome's social and political scene. It's speculated that his passionate and tumultuous affair with 'Lesbia', often identified as the aristocrat Clodia Metelli, fueled many of his most powerful verses. This legacy, a testament to his life and emotions, provides invaluable insight into the private and public facets of ancient Roman culture. This beautiful DigiCat edition invites readers across all disciplines and interests to cherish the depth of Catullus' repertoire. Enthusiasts of classical studies, lovers of poetry, and those who seek a window into the human experience of the past, will find 'The Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus' a timeless collection. The book's availability in both print and digital formats ensures that Catullus' poignant verses continue to inspire and resonate, bridging the centuries to speak to the hearts and minds of readers in the modern era.

Gaius Valerius Catullus was a Latin poet of the late Roman Republic who penned the collection commonly referred to as the 'Carmina.' Born in Verona around 84 BCE, he moved to Rome in his youth, where he became an influential literary figure among the circle of writers known as the neoteroi. His work was innovative, characterized by emotional intensity and exploration of personal life in a manner unusual for the canonical literature of the time. Catullus's mastery of language ranged from the polished and erudite to the bluntly colloquial, permitting him to convey a spectrum of sentiments, from the deeply passionate to the bitterly sardonic. The 'Carmina of Caius Valerius Catullus' consists of 116 poems and is divided into three parts: short lyrical pieces, the longer poem 64, and the polymetrics. His poetry touches upon themes of love, friendship, and political life, with varying tones that include humor, pathos, and sometimes obscenity. Notably, his love affair with the pseudonymous 'Lesbia' has served as a focal narrative for many of his poems showcasing the potent blend of ecstasy and torment in human relationships. Catullus died young, presumably before his 30th year, but his legacy has endured, influencing subsequent generations of poets, such as Ovid and Horace, and resonating through the ages down to our contemporary era. His ability to weave the personal with the mythic, to capture the fleeting qualities of emotion with a language that remains vivid centuries later, continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.