"Roz Kaveney's modern adaptations of Catullus' poems bring them right up to date - in all their, sometimes shocking, 'new-ness' a good reminder how edgy ancient poetry could be." - Mary Beard, Professor of Classics, University of Cambridge "To make Catullus' much-translated poems seem surprising and fresh is a rare achievement - but nothing less than the most scabrous, the most tender of Roman poets deserves. A wonderful feat." - Tom Holland, historian and novelist "Hilarious, poignant, mischievous, distraught, Roz Kaveney's twinkling versions capture the staggering range of Catullus' poetic moods, subjects, and forms ... She nails the jokes, uproariously; brilliantly sees how Catullus' world and ours superimpose ..." - Nick Lowe, Reader in Classics, Royal Holloway University "In a great time for female translators of Catullus, Roz Kaveney's versions are a particular delight. With her use of language and verse structure, she seems to capture the authentic voice of the poet." - Tony Keen, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Notre Dame
This is right on the line between a translation and using the originals as a jumping-off point. It does out-filthy the original in many places, and has all the hallmarks of the translator having a great time. Pretty great.
Never expected to find an english version of Catullus that approached what I experienced reading him in Latin, but this charming collection comes closer than I’d hoped.