It is true that the most philosophically profound, and for some even the most complete literary work of Horace is the "Epistles", but it is also an indisputable fact that the "Odes", both in terms of their form and the essence of their content, are his most intricate and modest work.

The Horace of the Odes is the last great lyric poet of the ancient world. The son of a former slave, he was the first to imitate the wonderful creations of the ancient Greek spirit, encouraging others to do the same. In his letter to the Pisones (line 268) he writes: "vos exemplaria Graeca nocturna versate manu, versate diurna" (= to peruse the Greek writings night and day).

Friendship, love, rivalries, banquets, the incorruptible morals of his ancestors, hymns to the gods, and praises for the great men of his time constitute the poles around which his wonderful inspiration revolves.

The aim of this book is to provide the Greek scholar of the greatest Roman lyric poet, Horace, with a handy manual and a reliable aid for the study and understanding of a work that the centuries have "marveled" at.