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Astronomica

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Astronomica by Marcus Manilius is an early Latin didactic poem on astrology, composed during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius. The work spans five books, beginning with descriptions of celestial phenomena and progressing through detailed explanations of zodiac signs, horoscopes, and various astrological calculations. It combines technical precision with poetic wit, passion for Stoic philosophy, and vivid character sketches based on star signs. The final book notably diverges into a lengthy narrative of the myth of Perseus and Andromeda, reflecting influences from Virgil's Georgics.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This edition suits readers interested in classical literature, astrology, and ancient philosophy, particularly those who appreciate detailed scholarly notes alongside poetic works.

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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.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Series: Loeb Classical Library

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780674995161

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 January 1977

Country: United States

Imprint: LOEB

Illustration: 1 map, 2 star charts, 24 line illustrations, 7 tables, index

Contributors:

  • Edited and translated by G. P. Goold

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 108.0mm

Height: 162.0mm

Weight: 327g

Pages: 528

About the Author

G. P. Goold was William Lampson Professor of Latin Language and Literature at Yale University, and General Editor of the Loeb Classical Library (1974–1999).

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