I feel like the translation of this text was a bit lackluster and unromantic

Imbibing in alcohol can have various outcomes, but How to Drink: A Classical Guide to the Art of Imbibing by Vincent Obsopoeus (edited, translated, and introduced by Michael Fontaine) outlines some key considerations when drinking.

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You might think that there's not much behind drinking alcohol, but there can be an art to it, and that's explored in this new translation of the classic text. With this English translation of the poem that strives to be more accessible while reflecting contemporary turns of phrase to share the humor the work contains, reading more in the style of prose than poetry. The text explores the role drinking has in social settings, the vital role of moderation, and the tendencies of bingeing, hazing, and peer pressure that resonate easily, and perhaps eerily, with contemporary readers. The original Latin text and translated English text appear on facing pages, allowing readers to compare the two (but my attention was primarily on the side I could easily read).

Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

This book initially caught my eye through the numerous title and the way these princeton press editions look on a bookshelf. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. I found the prose gimmicky, the advice dull and overall quite boring to read. I enjoyed his ways of praising Bacchus and calling out people who he feels drink too much, but overall I wouldn't suggest that anyone really needs to read this book. I appreciate the translator trying his best to make the language more suited to a modern audience, I just don't think the source material was that interesting. There were a few laughs throughout this book, and I definitely enjoyed it more when I was reading it accompanied by many drinks. It was just not enough for me to recommend this book, not really worth the money nor time.