In "Sixteen Satires," Juvenal delivers a scathing critique of Roman society, exposing the corruption, vice, and moral decay of his contemporaries. Through sharp wit and biting humor, he explores themes of power, greed, and hypocrisy, highlighting the struggles of the common citizen amidst a world dominated by excess and depravity. Each satire is a vividly crafted glimpse into the absurdities of life in ancient Rome, inviting readers to reflect on the timeless nature of human folly. As Juvenal's powerful voice resonates, it raises burning questions about justice, virtue, and the true cost of societal indulgence. Will his piercing observations stir a revolution of thought in our own times?
By Juvenal
Published: 1999
"The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Juvenal's Satires create a fascinating (and immediately familiar) world of whores, fortune-tellers, boozy politicians, slick lawyers, shameless sycophants, ageing flirts and downtrodden teachers Perhaps more than any other writer, Juvenal (c. 55-138 AD) captures the splendour, the squalor and the sheer vibrant energy of everyday Roman life. A member of the traditional land-owning class which was rapidly seeing power slip into the hands of dynamic outsiders, he offers equally savage portraits of decadent aristocrats; women interested only in 'rough trade' like actors and gladiators; and the jumped-up sons of panders and auctioneers. He constantly compares the corruption of his own generation with their stern upright forebears. And he makes us feel from within the deep humiliation of having to dance attendance on rich but odious patrons. Green's celebrated translation is fully annotated and clarifies all references and allusions in the text, making it equally suitable for students and for continuous reading. For this new edition it has been substantially revised throughout to give it an even more contemporary flavour. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Sixteen Satires
By Juvenal
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Juvenal was a prominent Roman poet of the late 1st and early 2nd centuries AD, renowned for his satirical verses that critiqued the social and political issues of his time. His notable works include the 'Satires', which cleverly employed biting humor and sharp wit to expose the moral decay and corruption prevalent in Roman society. Juvenal's writing style is characterized by its vigorous language and incisive observations, often employing a fierce irony that challenged the status quo. His influence on later literature and satire is profound, earning him a lasting place among the canon of classical writers.
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