Who’s who, and where the book takes place.
About the guide
Through all twelve books
Composed by Publius Vergilius Maro (70-19 BC), the Aeneid tells the story of Aeneas, exiled prince of Troy, and his mission to found a city destined to become the imperium sine fine, empire without end. The poem chronicles his turbulent journey from Troy to Carthage to the shores of Latium, and the war that would win Italy for Rome.
In this Reader’s Guide to the great epic, Joe Carlson walks through the poem’s twelve books, offering for each a list of the characters and places, in-depth summaries, and several analyses that explore both what Vergil is doing and its relevance to a modern audience.
In the guide
For each of the twelve books
An in-depth summary of what happens in the book.
Several analyses of what Vergil is doing, and of its relevance to readers now.
Questions throughout the guide, for talking the poem over with others.
Oct 9, 2026 · 1 h 24 minVergil and the American Dream
The American founders appropriated the Roman Poet and his works to establish an atmosphere of victory, authority, and dignity. Through the use of literary symbols and allusions, the framers of our great country placed their project squarely within a tradition the roots of which are deep in the ancient world. This talk will consider specific elements from the Great Seal, as designed by the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson, and their intentional evocation of Vergil’s poetry, including the Aeneid. Panel discussion with Joe Carlson and Daniel Foucachon.
The author
Dr. Joe Carlson
Joe Carlson holds a BA in Liberal Arts and Culture from New Saint Andrews College, and an MA in Humanities and a PhD in Literature from the University of Dallas. In different lifetimes he has co-pastored a church, co-founded a campus ministry, published (micro) epic poetry, and managed a chain of coffee shops. Currently, he is a Senior Editor with Roman Roads Press and a Literature professor at New Saint Andrews College. He lives in Moscow, Idaho, with his wife and son.
Publishing information
- Author
- Dr. Joe Carlson
- Series
- Roman Roads Classics (Reader’s Guide)
- Publisher
- Roman Roads Press, 2025
- Format
- Paperback, 5.5 × 8.5 in · 192 pages
- ISBN
- 978-1-963505-26-9
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