The ancient muse of the golden age of Roman literature has stirred once more, this time within the mind of Claudio Salvucci, native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but with roots that extend back to his ancestral home in ancient Latium.

A student of the classics from his earliest years, the author has crafted a work which builds upon the fragmentary record of the founding of Lavinium left us by Livy, Dionysius of Halicarnassus and others; all the while giving an obvious nod towards his Vergilian mentor. Drawing not only from the classical tradition but also from alliterative Anglo-Saxon poetry and classical translations, the author has managed to craft an epic style in modern-day English which is both musical and majestic.

Set in ancient Italy, The Laviniad picks up the tale following the death of Aeneas, when his young son Ascanius is thrust to the fore as leader of the Trojan remnant in Italy. Following the trials of this youth in the face of his hostile Italian neighbors, the author spins his enthralling yarn with tight, compelling poetry.

The Laviniad was originally released as an elegant, handmade hardcover edition. The text was set in distinctive Roman capitals designed especially for the book, and printed on parchment for an appropriately ancient look. The leaves were sewn together by hand and the outside is bound in 100% cloth. A very limited number of this attractive edition remain for sale. As of May 2005, a new paperback edition of The Laviniad was released, featuring a new full-color cover.

 

From Publisher web page Arx Publishing

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