The Aeneid
by Virgil, Scott McGill, Susannah Wright, Emily Wilson
Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, Emily Wilson
Why Listen to This Audiobook?
Emily Wilson just rewrote Latin epic poetry for your ears — and it hits harder than any translation you read in school.
- Great if you want: classical epic that feels urgent and emotionally alive
- Listening experience: rhythmic and immersive, with momentum that builds through battle and loss
- Narration: Ballerini and Wilson split duties in a format that suits the poem's scale
- Skip if: dense mythology and Latin names trip you up easily
About This Audiobook
Fleeing the ashes of Troy, the hero Aeneas embarks on a divine quest to establish a new homeland that will become the foundation of Rome. Guided by prophecy yet tormented by vengeful gods, Aeneas navigates treacherous seas, passionate love affairs, and brutal warfare as he struggles to fulfill his destiny. This ancient epic weaves together themes of duty versus desire, the cost of empire, and the sacrifices demanded by fate, following its reluctant hero through encounters with the underworld, tragic romance with Queen Dido, and climactic battles in Italy.
Edoardo Ballerini's commanding narration captures both the grandeur and intimacy of Virgil's masterpiece, his voice seamlessly transitioning between battlefield heroics and tender human moments. Emily Wilson's scholarly insights illuminate the text's complexities while maintaining the poem's emotional power. The dual-narrator approach enriches this collaborative translation, which renders the ancient verse in accessible yet dignified language that preserves the epic's rhythmic drive. Ballerini's nuanced delivery transforms the 12-hour journey into an immersive experience, allowing listeners to absorb the poem's layered meanings while being swept along by its propulsive narrative momentum.