The brilliant observations presented in The Art of the Aeneid illustrates Vergil as a poet, as represented by his final poem, the Aeneid. The author has captured an exciting, flowing style of movement that shows the toughness and tenderness of Vergil, whilst offering new insights into the epic, as well as comparisons with Homer.

Anderson discusses each of the twelve books in the Aeneid. He begins with the principal themes and poetic techniques found in the epic; the use of Homeric allusions; the complex view of war; the signification of the myth of a Trojan foundation of Rome; Vergil's conception of heroism; and the gods' part in Aeneas' struggles. He examines the lines with which Vergil introduces his subject, underlines the chief themes, and traces their elaboration in the later part of the poem.

He goes on to examine the main metaphors, similes and development of major themes. Using the final lines of the Aeneid, he illustrates to the non-Latin reader some of the social qualities of Vergil's style that regularly defy the translator.