Fortune's Prisoner

The Poems of Boethius's - The Consolation of Philosophy

Boethius Anicius Manlius Severinus

An aristocratic scholar and influential member of the court of Theodoric, Boethius (born about AD 480) was arrested for alleged treason and executed in about 524. While in prison he wrote his masterpiece, "The Consolation of Philosophy", a work of mixed prose and verse in which he considers universal issues such as the nature of justice, the problem of evil in a world controlled by God's providential plan, and the workings of Fortune and free will.

With his fresh and imaginative treatment of the poems from this book, James Harpur argues for the reappraisal of Boethius as poet. His well-crafted modern translations and persuasive introduction encourage their reading as a coherent poetic sequence outside their original context.

About the Author

Boethius (Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius) was a Christian philosopher. He was born in Rome to a distinguished family and became a senator by the age of 25. He was consul in 510 under the Ostrogoth kingdom. He was executed in 524 or 525 by King Theodoric the Great, who suspected him of conspiracy. Boethius's poems are introduced and translated by James Harpur in "Fortune's Prisoner".

Reviews

Awards won by James Harpur
Winner, 2009 Michael Hartnett Annual Poetry Award (The Dark Age)
Commended, 2012 Poetry Book Society (PBS): Choice – Summer (Angels and Harvesters)

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