Preface

Summary

When this commentary was begun some seven years ago, at the suggestion of Professor E. J. Kenney, it was possible to characterize the Heroides as Ovid's most neglected work. In the intervening years interest in these epistles has intensified, and I have benefited greatly from the labours of others who have recognized that this collection is far more subtle and complex than has generally been thought. There is still no full-scale modern commentary on the Heroides, but the present edition aims to mitigate this Situation by providing the Student with a representative selection from the single epistles. I have not avoided the thorny issue of the authenticity of parts of the collection, but since Ovidian authorship of most of the poems in this selection is not disputed, the reader's attention can remain focused on the more important aspects of this poet's art. The Epistula Sapphus, which I do not believe to be Ovid's, is an interesting poem in its own right, and I have included it as an illustration of the principle that a judgement against authenticity does not necessarily imply aesthetic condemnation.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge several friends and colleagues whose suggestions have led to a number of improvements in both presentation and substance. Professors Alessandro Barchiesi, D. R. Shackleton Bailey and Richard Thomas read substantial portions of the commentary. I am particularly indebted to Professors Wendell Clausen and James McKeown, who read and commented upon the entire typescript. All contributors to this series benefit from the advice and criticism of the General Editors; I have been especially fortunate because Professor Kenney has shouldered more than a fair share of the bürden of trying to rescue me from error. I am grateful for the attention he has lavished on a succession of drafts and for the generous spirit in which he has shared his accumulated störe of learning in all things Ovidian. My chief Obligation is acknowledged in the dedication.