BONAVIA-HUNT, N.A.,
Horace the Minstrel. A practical and aesthetic study of his aeolic verse.
Roundwood Press, Kineton, 1969. XVII,268p. Cloth wrps. 'This is an admirable book, despite a title which might suggest somthing a little nebulous. However, the subtitle reassures: 'A study of his sapphic and alcaic lyrics'; and nothing in fact could be more agreeably solid that the contents. The author examines Horace's technique and gives fully and lucidly the rules, based on Horace's own practice, for composition in these metres. He also supplies six English poems translated into sapphics and/or alcaics, including Herrick's 'Gather ye rosebuds', of which four versions are given. Two of these are such as an able schoolboy might produce; and after a criticism of them come two skilful fair copies. Hunt is particularly interested in the musical aspects of the Odes (...). He makes the point that many of the poems, e.g. Carm. Saec., were written to be sung and accompanied on the lyre (...) a most engaging and useful (...) book.' (MAURICE PLATNAUER in the Classical Review (New Series), 1956, pp.33-34).
€ 18.50
(Antiquarian)