Epigrams of Martial /

Sullivan (University of California, Santa Barbara) and Whigham have skillfully compiled an intelligent selection of epigrams to supersede Henry Bohn's The Epigrams of Martial (London, 1860) with unexpurgated-often memorable-translations from the full range of the poet's corpus. Such recent translations as James Michie (The Epigrams of Martial, 1972), Rolfe Humphries (Selected Epigrams; Martial, 1963), Bariss Mills (Epigrams from Martial, CH, Oct '69) or the standard Loeb (by Walter Ker, revised 1979) do not include so extensive an array of epigrams in a form as consistently frank and accessible. Although translations by 71 different hands vary in quality, most are sophisticated and effective. The appendix of ``older versions'' is a treasure trove; and the introductory essays and bibliography will aid the general reader and the specialist. The presence of the Latin notwithstanding, the value of the book lies not in its usefulness as a translation aid; rather, it demonstrates the art of translation and the nature of the transmission of Martial's observations of the life around him. Recommended for public, college, and university libraries.-J. de Luce, Miami University, Ohio