Martial's Epigrams: A Selection

Bawdy and biting epigrams, freshly translated, ready for enjoyment.

One of literature’s greatest satirists, Martial earned his livelihood by excoriating the follies and vices of his time, and set a pattern that satirists have admired and imitated across the ages. Born in Spain, Marcus Valerius Martialis (c. 40–102 CE), known in English as Martial, went to Rome as a young man to win fame and fortune. At the height of his career he published a book of scathing social commentary every year--1,500 poems in all, of which Wills translates about a third.

This exquisite translation from acclaimed author Garry Wills does not sacrifice the cleverly constructed effects of Martial’s short and shapely thrusts. Martial’s Epigrams make addictive reading and a perfect--if naughty--gift.