The Georgics
Virgil's Georgics, completed around 29 BC, is a poem in four books on farming, dedicated to his patron Maecenas. The first book treats the plowing of fields and the signs of the weather, the second the growing of trees and vines, the third the breeding of cattle and horses, and the fourth the keeping of bees, ending with the story of Aristaeus and the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. Behind the practical advice lies a vision of Italy, of hard work as the condition of human life and of peace after civil war. This English verse translation is by James Rhoades, whose versions of Virgil were widely read. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first poems are free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Georgics
The Georgics by Virgil can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Georgics online?
Yes. The Georgics opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Georgics free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Georgics is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Georgics in the public domain?
Yes. The Georgics by Virgil is a public-domain work, here in the translation by James Rhoades. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Georgics?
About 1 h 25 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Georgics?
The Georgics by Virgil is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
