Catullus’ Bedspread cover art

Catullus’ Bedspread

The Life of Rome’s Most Erotic Poet

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About this listen

A biography of Gaius Valerius Catullus, Rome’s first great poet, a dandy who fell in love with another man’s wife and made it known to the world through his verse.

This superb book gives a rare portrait of life during one of the most critical moments in world history through the eyes of one of Rome’s greatest writers.

Living through the debauchery, decadence and spectacle of the crumbling Roman Republic, Catullus remains famous for the sharp, immediate poetry with which he skewered Rome’s sparring titans – Pompey, Crassus and his father’s friend, Julius Caesar. But it was for his erotic, scandalous but often tender love elegies that he became best known, inspired above all by his own lasting affair with a married woman whom he immortalised in his verse as ‘Lesbia’. A monumental figure for poets from Ovid and Virgil onwards, his journey across youth and experience, from Verona to Rome, Bithynia to Lake Garda, is traced in Daisy Dunn’s brilliant portrait of life during one of the most critical moments in world history.

 Ancient Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Epic Historical Poetry Rome Themes & Styles Marriage Italy

Critic reviews

‘A superlative translation’ Sunday Times

‘Translated, with bright-eyed intelligence’ Spectator

‘An intelligent and often original interpreter of the poetry [she] provides clear, direct and readable translations’ Financial Times
All stars
Most relevant
Although I found the switch from northern to southern accents funny, it was an excellent book and enjoyed it a lot. Loved Dunn’s thoughts on incest parallels in catullus’ poems.

Unique ideas

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Amazing to found myself so immersed in Catullus' world 2000 years after he lived and wrote. We are fortunate that a single copy of his poetry was discovered in the 13th century, thus allowing Catullus' poetry to live on through the Ages. Fortunate also that Ms. Dunn brings his world and work so much to life; she nicely teases out his life story, citing the clues borne in his writing and that of contemporaries.
Very well delivered by Mike Grady whose rich tones enhance the poetry extracts; the final reading in full of Catullus' poem 64 is both rewarding and moving.
I do complain however that the physical book comes with maps, notes and illustrations; I feel Audible should contrive to make these available to purchasers of audiobooks too.
Anyway, highly recommended if you have a penchant for the Classical world - plus if you ever go to Verona (via Catullus Airport!) you'll all the more appreciate a trip to Lake Garda and Sirmione.

It's a Classic...

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