Vergil in the Middle Ages (Paperback or Softback)

"Vergil in the Middle Ages" is a seminal study by Domenico Comparetti that explores the profound influence and evolution of the Roman poet Vergil's reputation during the medieval era. This comprehensive work traces the transformation of the author of the "Aeneid" from a classical literary figure into a prophetic sage and a legendary sorcerer in the popular imagination of the Middle Ages.

Comparetti meticulously analyzes how Vergil was interpreted across different strata of society, distinguishing between the scholarly reception among the learned elite and the fantastical legends that blossomed in folk tradition. The book delves into the "Vergilian myth," examining stories of the poet's magical exploits in Naples and his perceived role as a pre-Christian prophet who foretold the birth of Christ. By bridging the gap between classical antiquity and medieval culture, Comparetti provides invaluable insights into the history of ideas, the transmission of literature, and the persistence of classical figures in the collective consciousness.

As a foundational text in the field of classical reception, "Vergil in the Middle Ages" remains an essential resource for students and scholars of medieval history, literary criticism, and European folklore.

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