The Love Poems of Catullus

Catullus’s cycle of poems to his love, “Lesbia,” have been a mainstay with poets and translators across time and languages. This anthology highlights translations of Catullus from New Directions authors (including Bernadette Mayer and Louis and Celia Zukofsky), as well as classic translations by Ben Jonson, Christopher Marlowe, and Lord Byron, and multiple versions by Anne Carson. The volume’s strength lies in the juxtaposition of dissimilar voices and approaches. For example, Lord Byron’s “(To Ellen)” opens: “Oh! might I kiss those eyes of fire,/ A million scarce would quench desire;/ Still would I steep my lips in bliss,/ And dwell an age on every kiss,” drawing a sharp contrast to Bernadette Meyer’s short poem “On Catullus 2”: “I think when/ passion dies/ it’d be good to play/ I don’t know what/ with my bright love/ if only I could/ play with you too/ like she does.” Dorothy Parker’s version of “On Catullus 3 (From A Letter From Lesbia)” features her usual bite and wit: “So, praise the gods, Catullus is away!/ And let me tend you this advice, my dear:/ Take any lover that you will, or may,/ Except a poet. All of them are queer.” This lively compilation highlights one of antiquity’s most tender, witty, and enduring voices. (Nov.)