Hesiod: Theogony, Works and Days, Shield

This is the most up-to-date edition of Hesiod's theogony, works, and days, with an updated bibliography and new notes to clarify contextual history and the meaning of Hesiod's language and themes. The translation is accurate and balanced, preserving the natural flow of the verse while adhering closely to the literal Greek.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

This renowned translation of Hesiod's Theogony, Works and Days, and Shield has been meticulously revised to become the most indispensable edition for students of Greek mythology and literature. Alongside the works of Homer, Hesiod's poems hold a paramount position in the study of classical literature. His two major surviving works, Theogony and Works and Days, explore distinct realms: Theogony traces the origins of the Greek gods and recounts the events surrounding Zeus's coronation as their king, while Works and Days is a verse manual of moral instruction specifically addressed to farmers and peasants. While modern scholars engage in debates regarding the authorship of the Shield, ancient texts unequivocally attribute it to Hesiod.

In his introduction, Apostolos N. Athanassakis establishes Hesiod as the rightful successor to a rich tradition of Hellenic poetry. Hesiod's poems vividly portray his deep-seated passion for governing human society through the principles of justice and a strong work ethic. As a physicist and materialist, Hesiod avoided delving into topics such as honor and the afterlife. His works contain the earliest foundations on law and Greek economy, making him the pioneering great thinker of Western civilization. Athanassakis's contextual notes provide valuable comparisons to Biblical and Norse mythologies, as well as anthropological connections to modern Greece.

The third edition of this classic undergraduate text boasts a comprehensive update of the bibliography, reflecting the latest scholarly advancements over the past two decades. The introductions and notes have been enriched, offering clearer explanations of contextual history and the profound meanings embedded in Hesiod's language and themes. Additionally, new notes have been added to the Shield, further enhancing the reader's understanding of this significant work.

Athanassakis's meticulous translation and insightful commentary make this edition an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Greek mythology and literature.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 177 x 255 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421443942
Edition number: third edition