Catullus: The Complete Poems

By: Catullus

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Acerbic wit and stinging satire are contrasted with delicate sensibility and passionate desire in the work of the Latin poet Catullus. Armed with an urbane sophistication and an aristocratic circle of friends, Catullus moved about easily in the upper ranks of Roman society and was acquainted with Cicero, Caesar, and Pompey among others. His poems describe the lifestyle prevalent among his circle in the middle of the first century B.C. But it is his description of his love affair with a married woman he calls "Lesbia" which is the basis of his fame. His influence on later Latin poets and Renaissance writers was immense.

Public Domain (P)2010 Audio Connoisseur

A mature man reads a young man's poems

Catullus was a young and passionate poet. Charlton Griffin is a two-legged organ. For once, he was not the best choice for a classical poet, coming across heavy-handed and, when sex was involved, as it often was, creepy.