Written in the twilight of the Roman Republic, the poetry of Gaius Valerius Catu
llus offers a delicious insight into the passions and gossip of high Roman socie
ty. From the poet and his friends to cultural and political titans, including Ca
esar, Cicero, and Pompey, his cutting, modern verse spares no-one. In this new t
ranslation by Daisy Dunn, author of Catullus' Bedspread, his obscene honesty, ar
rogant wit and surprising tenderness capture Roman society at their best.
Mos
t famous for his obsessive love lyrics for the married Lesbia, Catullus' words a
re an immortal expression of youth, rebellion and agonised love.
