Satires. Epistles. Art of Poetry

Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus, 65–8 BCE) was born at Venusia, the son of a freedman clerk who ensured he received a good education in Rome and Athens. Horace initially supported the ill-fated assassins of Caesar, which resulted in the loss of his property. He then became a secretary in the Treasury and began writing poetry.

Maecenas, a lover of literature whom Virgil and Varius introduced to Horace in 39 BCE, became his friend and patron, providing him with a farm that made him largely independent. After 30 BCE, Horace became associated with Emperor Augustus, contributing to imperial affairs with his literary work. Although Horace refused to become Augustus's private secretary, he continued to offer his support with his writing until his death a few months after Maecenas.

Horace's work, both in lyric (various metres) and other forms (hexameters), spans from 40 to 10 or 9 BCE. His writing is Roman in spirit yet Greek in technique.

In the two books of Satires, Horace serves as a moderate social critic and commentator. The two books of Epistles provide more intimate and polished reflections, with the second book focusing on literary criticism, akin to the Ars Poetica. The Epodes, written in various (mostly iambic) metres, resemble the 'discourses'—as Horace referred to his satires and epistles—but also anticipate the renowned Odes found in four books, composed in old Greek lyric metres with notable skill.

Some of these odes are national pieces addressing public affairs, others are delightful poems about love and wine, and still others offer moral letters. All demonstrate a rare perfection. The Loeb Classical Library edition of the Odes and Epodes is available in volume number 33.