The Silvae: Latin and English Parallel Translation

by Statius, D. A. Slater (Translator)

The Silvae is a collection of Latin occasional poetry composed by Publius Papinius Statius (c. 45 – c. 96 CE). It encompasses 32 poems, distributed across five books. Every book begins with a prose preface that introduces and dedicates its contents. These poems cover a diverse range of topics, offering valuable insights into life in Domitian's Rome and shedding light on various aspects of Statius' own life.

Poggio Bracciolini rediscovered The Silvae along with Silius' Punica in the Library of Reichenau Abbey around 1417, thereby bringing these ancient literary works back into the limelight after being lost to the passage of time. These poems, with their intricate use of hexameters, hendecasyllables, and lyric meters, contribute significantly to our understanding of the cultural and historical context of their time. Statius's skillful composition and insightful portrayal of the Roman society of his day make The Silvae a valuable source for researchers and classical scholars alike.

The Silvae's mix of poetic forms and diverse subject matter provide a captivating glimpse into the social and artistic landscape of ancient Rome. Each poem, carefully curated in its respective book, adds another layer to the richness of Statius' work.

171 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2023