Format:
1 online resource
ISBN:
9780674995161
Series Statement:
Loeb Classical Library 469
Content:
In Astronomica (first century CE), the earliest extant treatise we have on astrology, Manilius provides an account of celestial phenomena and the signs of the Zodiac. He also gives witty character sketches of persons born under particular constellations, Marcus Manilius, who lived in the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, is the author of the earliest treatise on astrology we possess. His Astronomica, a Latin didactic poem in five books, begins with an account of celestial phenomena, and then proceeds to treat of the signs of the zodiac and the twelve temples; there follow instructions for calculating the horoscoping degree, and details of chronocrators, decans, injurious degrees, zodiacal geography, paranatellonta, and other technical matters. Besides exhibiting great virtuosity in rendering mathematical tables and diagrams in verse form, the poet writes with some passion about his Stoic beliefs and shows much wit and humour in his character sketches of persons born under particular stars. Perhaps taking a lead from Virgil in his Georgics, Manilius abandons the proportions of his last book to narrate the story of Perseus and Andromeda at considerable length. In spite of its undoubted elegance, the Astronomica is a difficult work, and this edition provides in addition to the first English prose translation a full guide to the poem, with copious explanatory notes and illustrative figures
Note:
Text in Latin with English translation on facing pages
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Mode of access: World Wide Web.
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Text in Latin with English translation on facing pages
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9780674995161
Additional Edition:
Druckausg. ISBN 9780674995161
Additional Edition:
Print version Manilius, Marcus Astronomica Cambridge, Mass : Harvard University Press, 1977
Language:
English
Author information:
Manilius, Marcus
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