. . . thoughtful, learned, provocative, manifesting love of the beautiful and the virtuous that he discerns in Homer and Virgil, and finds to be worth a place in the political education of citizens in the American Republic.

Richard H. Cox, SUNY, Buffalo

In this brilliant study of the themes common to classical epic poetry and classical political philosophy, Alvis shows how poetic imagination can complement philosophic discourse in the mind's effort to grasp natural right as rooted in human nature.

Larry Arnhart, Northern Illinois University

John Alvis discovers a 'conversation' conducted by Virgil with Homer, which reveals that important themes of classical political philosophy are broached by both epic poets.

Eva T. H. Brann, St. John's College

This book will significantly enrich the study of the timeless ancient epics.

Joseph Cropsey, University of Chicago