An anthology of 43 classic essays and poems on the Roman poet. Quinn's position is that his work continues to be compelling and flexible enough to support a wide range of interpretations and perspectives. In addition to a bibliography, she provides a lengthy introduction and conclusion that tackle the question of the book's title, Why Vergil? Further, she juxtaposes the first few lines of the Aeneid in its original Latin with five translations, and includes a synopsis of it and a list of dates for quick reference. She has not indexed the volume.

Why Vergil? is a collection of forty-three exemplary, classic pieces that demonstrate Vergil's genius or illustrate his enduring influence: a veritable feast for Vergilian scholars, students, and humanists.

Monumental epic poem tells the heroic story of Aeneas, a Trojan who escaped the burning ruins of Troy to found Lavinium, the parent city of Rome, in the west.

The 5th century AD Roman Vergil is one of the most precious manuscripts in the Vatican Library. Wright presents a wide-ranging discussion of the influence of the manuscript on the history and development of medieval manuscript art and of book design.