Horace was a classical Roman poet known for his lyric poetry and satirical pieces. His influential works, such as Odes and Satires, explore themes of daily life, philosophy, and Roman society with humor and insight.
If you enjoy reading books by Horace then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Horace's reflections on life, friendship, and morality, you might like Virgil. He writes gracefully and elegantly, crafting verses that explore ideals of heroism, duty, and human destiny.
His epic poem, Aeneid, tells the story of Aeneas, who flees Troy to found Rome, blending history, mythology, and profound insights into human nature.
If you appreciate Horace's playful wit and elegant style, Ovid could appeal to you as well. His poetry entertains and charms with humor, creativity, and vivid storytelling.
Metamorphoses is his best-known work, full of captivating tales of transformations drawn from myth and legend. Its stories explore love, desire, and human passion with remarkable artistry.
Fans of Horace's personal lyricism may enjoy reading Catullus. He writes passionately and openly about love, heartbreak, and friendship, often with intense emotion and a sharp wit.
One notable collection is Carmina, poems that range from tender affection and playful humor to fierce critiques of Roman society.
If you're drawn to Horace's sharp satire and critiques of Roman society, Juvenal might be your next author. His writing cuts deeply through hypocrisy and corruption.
In his famous work, the Satires, Juvenal exposes greed, vanity, and moral decay in Roman life, offering commentary that's both witty and biting.
Fans of Horace's moral reflections and satirical observations might find Persius interesting too. He writes with seriousness and pointed criticism, confronting moral failings and the pretensions of his society.
His short but respected collection, the Satires, challenges readers to reflect on virtue, sincerity, and the nature of genuine wisdom.
Propertius is an elegant Roman poet who explores passionate love and personal emotions in rich detail. If you appreciate Horace's reflections on love and desire, you may also enjoy Propertius, whose works are deeply personal and expressive.
His poetry collection, Elegies, vividly portrays the ups and downs of intense romantic attachment as well as thoughtful insights into Roman society.
Tibullus writes with a gentle and understated style, often centered around themes of love, nature, and the simplicity of rural life. Much like Horace, he finds beauty and peace in the countryside, away from Rome's noisy troubles.
His collection, Elegies, reveals his longing for romantic fulfillment and tranquility, expressed in graceful, heartfelt verse.
Martial is known for sharp wit and clever observations of daily life in Rome. His style is concise, humorous, and sometimes biting, highlighting people's absurdities and pretensions.
If you enjoyed Horace's satire and humor, you will find Martial's lively epigrams equally entertaining, especially his notable work, Epigrams, which captures Rome's everyday moments in quick, vivid strokes.
Lucilius is often considered the father of Roman satire. With a direct and fearless voice, he critiques the vices and flaws of society. Fans of Horace's satirical poems will appreciate Lucilius's straightforward style and moral commentary.
Though much of his work only survives in fragments, his satirical writings made a strong impact on those who followed, including Horace himself.
Alexander Pope, an English poet of the eighteenth century, is celebrated for his polished, intelligent use of satire and social commentary. Like Horace, Pope uses wit and precision in his criticisms and reflections on human behavior.
Readers who enjoy Horace's clever insights into society might also appreciate Pope's sharp satire on English society and manners in works such as The Rape of the Lock.
If you love Horace's wit and satirical voice, Ben Jonson might be just your type of author. Jonson admired Horace and captured a similar sharpness in his satirical works. He excelled at humorously poking fun at society's flaws and human weaknesses, just like Horace.
In his work, Volpone, Jonson mocks greed and corruption, presenting cynical characters through clever dialogue and scenes that entertain as they critique.
Fans of Horace's clear, polished style and clever satire might find John Dryden appealing. Dryden was inspired by Latin poets, especially Horace, to create elegant poems with sharp observations about human nature and society.
One of his best-known works, Absalom and Achitophel, offers political satire and sharp character portrayals that reflect the insights and craftsmanship seen in Horace.
Pierre de Ronsard captured Horace's lyric spirit, writing poetry that celebrated life's pleasures, nature's beauty, and the complexities of love. Like Horace, Ronsard embraced classical forms, bringing warmth and elegance into lyrical verse that feels personal and genuine.
His poetic collection, Les Amours, beautifully explores themes of affection, desire, and fleeting happiness—perfect for readers fond of Horace's more romantic and reflective poetry.
Readers drawn to Horace's lighter poetry, full of enjoyment of life's pleasures and reflections on love and wine, will find a kindred spirit in Anacreon. His ancient Greek poems celebrate joy, indulgence, and romance, short verses that feel carefree yet beautifully composed.
Though his poems are brief, their playful and charming style resonates strongly. Odes of Anacreon showcases his lyrical simplicity and joyful spirit vividly.
If Horace's use of personal voice, reflection, and political commentary appeals to you, Alcaeus might become a favorite poet too. Horace admired Alcaeus greatly and shared his taste for writing honest, lively poems about friendship, politics, and life’s struggles.
Alcaeus composed songs filled with emotion, longing, and strong political opinions, many of which come alive within fragments like those found in Alcaeus: Fragments.
His poetry offers glimpses into ancient political realities and personal sentiments that laid groundwork for Horace’s later poetic style.