About VATES

Aims

The purpose of the journal is to promote both the reading and the writing of new Latin verse in an attempt to reverse the decline of Latin poetry composition in the English-speaking world.

Published electronically in pdf format, the journal is sent free of charge to any individual or organisation who wishes to see it. They in turn are encouraged to circulate it – either electronically or by printing copies – to an even wider audience.

The journal is not ‘academic’ in tone: it is intended for anyone with an interest in the subject. Featured Latin poems are accompanied by English translations and all editorial articles are in English. It also features articles on the history of the genre and hints and tips about writing Latin poetry.

A short history

• 2010–2018 — Issues 1–14. Founded and edited by Mark Walker; published by Pineapple Publications (Issue 1 appeared in Summer 2010, Issue 14 in Summer 2018).
• 2025 — Issue 15, the new series. Edited by Dr David Money and published by Bringfield’s Head Press (Cambridge – Brighton – Tokyo), August 2025.
• 2026 — Issue 16. The second issue of the new series, also edited by Dr David Money, October 2026.

Vates is back, after a break of seven years. Let us begin by thanking Mark Walker, our founding editor, for establishing the journal, and guiding it with kindness and good sense through its first fourteen issues.

Issue 15 also carries the journal’s ISSN, 2976-9671, issued by the British Library in February 2025 and applying retrospectively to issues 1–14. In the British Library’s records the journal is listed as Vates (Amersham), after the original place of publication.

This website

This site is a fresh, fast home for the journal and its archive, replacing the former WordPress blog at vatesblog.wordpress.com. The text on the home, contribute and contact pages is taken from the old site and from the issues themselves.

An invitation

If you have ever wanted to write a line of Latin verse, this is your invitation. Vates is for everyone, from professors to armchair classicists, and beginners are very welcome. All you need is a love of Latin poetry.

Send us your Latin verse in any form you like, with an English translation alongside so that every reader can enjoy it. We would be delighted to hear from you. You will find the contact details on the Submit page.

Image credit

The header image is The Bay of Baiae, with Apollo and the Sibyl by J. M. W. Turner, exhibited 1823 — Tate, accepted by the nation as part of the Turner Bequest, 1856 (N00505). The painting is in the public domain; this is the image used as the header of the old Vates site. See it on Tate’s website.