The Epic Distilled is a rich exploration of Virgil's use of sources in the Aeneid, considering elements of history, geography, mythology, and ethnography. Building on and developing the research involved in the author's monumental commentaries on the Aeneid, the volume investigates how the poem was written, what Virgil read, and why particular details are interwoven into the narrative. The volume looks beyond the Aeneid's poetry and plot to focus on the 'matter' of the epic: details of colour, material, arms, clothing, landscape, and physiology. Details which might seem trivial are revealed as carefully deliberate and highly significant. For instance, one Trojan's specifically oriental trousers are suggestive of the Trojans' non-Roman 'otherness' and fit solidly into a complex ethnographic argument. In this way, the meaning and implications of Virgil's heavily allusive style, including practices and techniques of composition, are unpicked meticulously. Particularly difficult and intricate passages are delved into and the significance of specific details, legends, arcane references, places, names, digressions, and inconsistencies are uncovered. By exposing new layers of illuminating material, The Epic Distilled offers readers a fresh approach to understanding the full intellectual texture of Virgil's epic poem.

About the Author
Nicholas Horsfall is Honorary Professor of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University.

Reviews
...the book does contain a wealth of information on Virgil and his methods by a scholar who must know about everything about Virgil and Virgilian studies, and will thus be of great use to those interested in one way or another in the Aeneid, I must conclude with a positive evaluation of the book. * Olli Salomies, University of Helsinki, De novis libris iudicia *
It goes without saying that all those interested in the serious study of Vergil will have to read this book very carefully. Indeed, all scholars working on Augustan poetry generally will profit greatly from the researches presented here. * Damien Nelis, Schwabe Verlag Basel *
This is a truly extraordinary book, more workshop manual than explicatory text. The more one reads, the more one will find matters to pursue in other texts, or translate, or compare and contrast, or make judgements on, or any combination thereof. * Adrian Spooner, Classics for All *
If you love Virgil's epic, you will want to read this short book ... you will derive both pleasure and learning from the continuing unfolding of Professor Nicholas Horsfall's signal contributions to Virgilian studies. * Lee Fratantuono, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Those familiar with Horsfall's scholarship will not be surprised at the astonishing display of learning bursting from this book. The allusions and insights he draws upon are at times dizzying, always thrilling and, for this reader, usually convincing. * Andrew M. McClellan, Classical Review *
Horsfall's slender book offers a splendid investigation of the manner in which Vergil composed the Aeneid and the manner in which it was received by his audience. Through its richness Epic Distilled raises many questions for future research, such as about variation in Vergil's audience or the effect of the poet's disguising of his inventions, while, at the same time, its numerous examples provide enticing points from which to begin. Horsfall allows us to overhear Vergil's intellectual dialogue with his readers, and it is a conversation that all those interested in the Aeneid, Vergil, or Roman literature and culture will want to join themselves. * Aaron M. Seider, Classical Journal Online *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198758877
Author Nicholas Horsfall
Format Hardback
Page Count 178
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 328g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 142mm * 16mm