This new edition deals with Book 5 of Statius' Silvae, which has often been neglected in thematic treatments of the poet's work. The book is notable for its concern with Statius himself--one poem is a lament for his father, who was himself a poet and a teacher. As well as discussing issues of linguistic usage and textual problems (which are numerous), the commentary examines such aspects of literary interpretation as the use of allusion and the role of genre, and also includes a conspectus of the historical and cultural background. This is an invaluable introduction to the work of a learned, and increasingly appreciated, poet.