Gaius Valerius Flaccus

This 1st-century AD Latin version of the earlier Greek epic features exotic lands, wondrous monsters and a sea voyage over swells of young love. Valerius Flaccus lent sharp Roman refinements and erotic passion to the tale, which are skillfully sustained in this careful and appealing modern translation in English verse. Apollonius Rhodius’ epic poem Argonautica, written in Greek during the 3rd century BC, has become the de facto standard version of the story of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece. Valerius Flaccus’ Latin epic of the last 1st century AD is by contrast little known, even to those well-read in ancient literature. This translation offers an accurate and appealing version in English verse. Flaccus’ Argonautica lends keen Roman touches to the tale, amplifying the sense of adventure and the erotic passion found in the Greek. It offers vicarious travel to exotic lands, gripping heroism before wondrous monsters and a dream team of famous Greek heroes. The stirring sea voyage is spiced by the blossoming love of Jason and Medea, young passion not yet gone sour. Michael Barich’s deft translation and lyrical grace notes will delight devotees and newcomers to this timeless classic. Many know of this tale via the 1963 Columbia Pictures film, with its stop-motion animation by Ray Harryhausen.

VALERIUS FLACCUS, Gaius, Latin poet who flourished in the period c. A.D. 70-90, composed during the course of the decade 70-80, in smooth monotonous correct and sometimes obscure style, an incomplete epic 'Argonautica' in eight books on the Quest for the Golden Fleece. The poem is typical of his age, being a free re-handling of the story already told by Apollonius Rhodius (LCL No. 1) to whom he is superior in arrangement, vividness, and description of character. He shows much imitation of the language and thought of Virgil, and much learning, rhetoric, and ornamentation. The chief interest of the epic lies in the relations between Medea and Jason, especially the growth of Medea's love where Valerius is at his best. The long series of adventures and various 'Roman' allusions suggest that the poet meant to do honour to Vespasian (to whom the epic is dedicated) with special reference to that emperor's ships in waters round Britain.