he heroic journey, battles and loves of Aeneas, and the founding of Rome, by the great Latin poet Virgil -- as translated, condensed, and explained to modern readers by a professor who uses rhyme and a lively presentation to honor the spirit and true intent of Virgil -- without the customary literalism of previous translations. Epic in every way, this is one of the greatest and most entertaining adventure stories ever told. Millions have read and enjoyed it since Virgil first wrote it in the First Century B.C. But The Aeneid has never been presented like this before. It is now condensed to its essential and best parts, with short bridge notes to explain the third or so of the original that is omitted. Explanatory sidenotes and chapter guides place the work and its famous author in historical, thematic, and political context. Most of all, Professor David Crump has translated The Aeneid for the modern ear, complete with the rhythms and rhymes associated with poetry today. Avoiding the stodgy literalism of previous translations, he incorporates the true meaning of each turn and phrase -- using the words most accurately registering today for Virgil's work, all to bring the epic to life for a new generation. It will be enjoyed by readers who aren't necessarily Latin scholars. This book is simply fun to read, and at long last easy to understand and feel the sheer power of Aeneas's epic journey and destiny. Fate has decreed it.