Poems to Friends

by Venantius Honorius Fortunatus, Joseph Pucci (Translator)

Owing to the rich storehouse of information it contains, the poetry of Venantius Fortunatus (c. 535–600) has long been mined as a historical source for Merovingian society, a focus that overshadows an appreciation of the poems' literary value. This volume, offering free-verse translations of Fortunatus' personal poetry, remains faithful to the historical sweep of the poet’s lines while paying attention to the literary qualities that make these poems masterpieces of their kind. The volume includes an overview of late antique Gaul, Fortunatus’ biography, interpretations of the poems, prosopographical introductions, maps, bibliography, and indices.

Genres: Poetry

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Venantius Honorius Clementianus Fortunatus (c.530–c.600/609) was a Latin poet and hymnodist in the Merovingian Court, and a Bishop of the early Catholic Church. He was never canonised but was venerated as Saint Venantius Fortunatus during the Middle Ages.

Reviews

[Markus J · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Change is swift around us all...
For we are fallen, beguiled by things we cannot know,
and since the ambit of all things yields to ruin,
who is wise knows eternity's embrace." - App. 23