I often translate (contemporary) poetry but I am not good with rhymes! It's an added gift, in my opinion. I have a degree in Classics but these poets are not in my daily life anymore; your newsletter takes me back to those times. I wonder if you have any favorites that you'd read with young children?
Interesting question! I My first introduction to Latin lyric poetry was Catullus - I’ll do a post on his sparrow poems. I was around 13 - not sure if one can start enjoying real literature much earlier. (I was reading Virgil’s Aeneid in Latin at school aged 9 but it’s hard to know what I understood of it!)
Thank you! Catullus was my "first" as well. They recently published this in Italian, the story of Philemon and Baucis in an illustrated book: https://www.topipittori.it/it/catalogo/filemone-e-bauci I don't have it yet but I will probably get it. Interesting to hear your thoughts on this, thanks again!
I was reminded of this recently when I purchased a copy for my eleven year-old niece and on re-reading thought some of the themes too strong for her age. I’ll give it to her in a couple years.
Shadows of vines is such a beautiful line. Translation must be harder than creating new words. There are so many limitations in order to convey the message and the spirit of the poem.
Thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this translation, the accompanying notes and especially the audio recitations.
thanks William!
I often translate (contemporary) poetry but I am not good with rhymes! It's an added gift, in my opinion. I have a degree in Classics but these poets are not in my daily life anymore; your newsletter takes me back to those times. I wonder if you have any favorites that you'd read with young children?
Interesting question! I My first introduction to Latin lyric poetry was Catullus - I’ll do a post on his sparrow poems. I was around 13 - not sure if one can start enjoying real literature much earlier. (I was reading Virgil’s Aeneid in Latin at school aged 9 but it’s hard to know what I understood of it!)
Thank you! Catullus was my "first" as well. They recently published this in Italian, the story of Philemon and Baucis in an illustrated book: https://www.topipittori.it/it/catalogo/filemone-e-bauci I don't have it yet but I will probably get it. Interesting to hear your thoughts on this, thanks again!
Ah yes, Ovid. The perfect choice for young people getting into Greek myth! But still not children’s literature.
I was reminded of this recently when I purchased a copy for my eleven year-old niece and on re-reading thought some of the themes too strong for her age. I’ll give it to her in a couple years.
Shadows of vines is such a beautiful line. Translation must be harder than creating new words. There are so many limitations in order to convey the message and the spirit of the poem.