Virgil: Aeneid IV

In Book IV of Virgil's Aeneid, one of the most studied books of that epic poem, Dido, queen of Carthage, is inflamed by love for Aeneas. The goddesses Juno and Venus plot to unite them, and their 'marriage' is consummated in a cave during a hunt. However, Jupiter sends Mercury to remind Aeneas of his duty, and the hero departs despite Dido's passionate pleas. At the end of the book, Dido commits suicide. This new edition of the Latin text of Book IV replaces the long-serving edition by Gould & Whiteley, making the book more accessible to today's students and taking account of the most recent scholarship and critical approaches to Virgil. It includes a substantial introduction, annotation to explain language and content, and a comprehensive vocabulary.

Keith MacLennan was Head of Classics at Rugby School.