Greek Lyric: A Selection

Provides a varied selection from the attractive corpus of Greek lyric, including well-known as well as some lesser studied poems. The original Greek text is accompanied by a commentary and a detailed introduction. The volume will be of interest to advanced undergraduates and graduate students as well as to scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The corpus of Greek lyric holds a captivating allure, offering a two-fold fascination. Firstly, it provides invaluable insights into the vibrant song culture of ancient Greece, where lyric performance held a central position. Secondly, it presents us with a treasure trove of captivating and enduring poetry that has been revered since antiquity. This edition assembles a selection of poems by seven of the nine canonical lyricists (Alcman, Alcaeus, Sappho, Stesichorus, Ibycus, Anacreon, Simonides), along with numerous carmina popularia, carmina convivalia, and excerpts from Timotheus' Persians. Both longer and shorter pieces are included, showcasing the diverse range of lyric styles and forms.

In the introduction, significant issues in the study of Greek lyric are explored, encompassing genre, performance, and transmission. The commentary adopts a literary approach, while also addressing questions of syntax, textual reconstruction, metre, and dialect. This volume appeals to higher-level undergraduates, graduate students, and scholars alike, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Greek lyric poetry.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780521633871