2002-03-03 The greatest work of fiction ever.

Virgil's work was unfinished at the time of his death. This was his 'shot at Homer's title' on which he worked, every day, for almost 20 years. Virgil wanted the book destroyed as he didn't consider it finished. Of course we can only wonder quite how good the book would have been if he had finished it.

This book was the culmanation of many works which parallel Homer's epic poems and the simerlarities are great. Due to this I advise you read both Homer's epic poems before reading this. The Odyessey so that you can see the parallels between the Aeneid and it; the Illiad so you can see the intricate details from which Virgil derives his tale.

The story follows Aeneas from Troy, after being sacked by the Greeks, he sails for Italy where he is destined to found the Roman race. Throughout his journey he (of course) encounters many trials which he has to pass to get to his 'final destination.' I personally do not speak Latin so I am unable to tell you how true this translasion is to the original but I can tell you it is extremely well written and has that 'joie de vivre' that is present in all ancient works. The story heavily utilises similies to convey meanings, these are all expertly crafted and have not lost their meaning even through time.

Although it is possible for 'the average reader' to read, enjoy and understand the Aenead with no trouble at all, unless you are a university don or happen to have an extensive knowledge in the classical era I advise you purchase a book, (if one is available,) which tells you the hidden meanings of the book. There are some things that you just would miss without one. The parallels to Pompey's death after Priams immediately spring to mind. Now that I come to mention it the death of Priam is possibly the greatest passage of literature ever and it is worth purchasing the book simply to read it.

The long and the short of it is that this book should be bought by anyone who considers themselves to have any remote interest in how literature has progressed, and what it progressed from. This poem was and still is a defining moment in literature and would complememt any book collection.