Noted Professor of Classics Visits HWS
2 November 2007 Noted Professor of Classics Visits HWS
Frederick Ahl, professor of classics and comparative literature at Cornell University, is set to come to HWS, offering a first reading of his book that was recently published by Oxford University Press. Ahl will read excerpts from his newly published verse translation of Virgils Aeneid, which is the only edition to use the same poetic meter as Virgil did, and to explore the subtleties of Virgils wordplay. His reading will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5 in the librarys Geneva Room.
Co-hosted by the Classics, English and Comparative Literature, and Media & Society departments, Ahl will offer his explanation and analysis of the ancient text. The translation is noted for its authenticity and ability to remain so close to the original text, as well as being a very useful translation. In its authenticity, it is easy to cross-reference this edition in Latin courses.
The publisher, Oxford University Press, is praising the work for capturing the excitement, poetic energy, and intellectual force of the original in a way that has never been done before.
The author has been honored as laudably clear and non-technical. His books address the needs of college and university instructors and will appeal to general readers and stage professionals as well.
The address is especially pertinent to students taking the Literary Consciousness course, who will soon be studying the text. The content and subsequent exploration of it should interest students in the Classics department. Ahl, who has a vast array of interests and accomplishments, will address the introductory English students on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Ahl is married to Nicola Minott-Ahl, an assistant professor of English at HWS.