Virgil
Virgil, also spelled Vergil, was an ancient Roman poet of the Augustan period. He is best known for his epic, the Aeneid, which has been considered the national epic of ancient Rome since the time of its composition. He also wrote the Eclogues and the Georgics.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Aeneid
This epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travels to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. It includes a series of prophecies about Rome's future and the deeds of heroic individuals, and is divided into two sections, the first illustrating the hero's journey and the second detailing the wars and battles that ensue as Aeneas attempts to establish a new home in Italy. The narrative is deeply imbued with themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention.
The 70th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Eclogues
The book in question is a collection of ten pastoral poems that delve into the idealized lives of shepherds in classical antiquity, set against the backdrop of a changing rural landscape. Through dialogues and monologues, the poems explore themes of love, the bucolic lifestyle, and the political turmoil of the time. The work reflects on the tensions between the simplicity of rural life and the encroaching influence of external forces, often drawing on mythological and allegorical elements to convey its messages. The pastoral mode serves as a platform for the poet to address broader social and political issues, while also celebrating the beauty and tranquility of nature.
The 1649th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Georgics
The work in question is a didactic poem divided into four books, which collectively offer a rich and detailed guide to various aspects of agricultural life and practices in the ancient world. It covers topics such as the cultivation of crops, the care of trees and vines, the husbandry of livestock, and the management of bees, all interwoven with philosophical reflections on humanity's relationship with nature and the gods. The poem also explores the hardships and rewards of rural life, emphasizing the importance of hard work, experience, and understanding the rhythms and moods of the natural world. Throughout, the text is imbued with a deep appreciation for the land and serves as both a practical manual and a meditation on the art of living in harmony with the environment.
The 11125th Greatest Book of All Time