Argonautica (Oxford Classical Texts) [Hardcover]

Apollonius Rhodius (Author), Hermann Frï¿1/2nkel (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 1986 | Series: Oxford Classical Texts

This is a reissue of the authoritative 1961 critical edition of Apollonius of Rhodes' Argonautica, the greatest epic poem of the Alexandrian period.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`H.'s translation succeeds admirably in being sensitive both to the needs of a Greek learner who is grappling with the original and to the exigencies of fluent English. In maintaining this balancing-act he manages not to stray from the spirit and content of the Greek. H. treats the original with the respect it deserves. His version is accompanied by detailed notes and an index, together with a clear, concise introduction to the poem and its place in the Alexandrian tradition. Lecturers planning a Classics-in-translation course for Greek epic need look no further than this volume for an accessible translation which will stimulate student interest and imagination. This book will be the standard English-language translation of Apollonius' Argonautica for many years to come.' R.J. Clare, University of Leeds, Journal of Hellenic Studies, Vol. 116, 1996

About the Author

Apollonius of Rhodes (270 BC?-unknown) was a Hellenistic Greek epic poet and scholar of the Library of Alexandria, during the reigns of Ptolemy II and Ptolemy III, and a chief librarian of the Library of Alexandria.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 292 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First Edition edition (October 2, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198145594
• ISBN-13: 978-0198145592
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,417,785 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Story of the Golden Fleece's Greatest Edition, May 3, 2010

By 

S. H. Wells (Tulsa, OK United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Argonautica (Loeb Classical Library) (Greek and English Edition) (Hardcover)

Loeb Classical Library's edition of the Argonautica is probably one of the best in print today. As with all Loeb editions, the english translation has the original greek on the the facing page. The problems most people have with Loeb editions is that the translation sometimes is stilted. These stilted translations come from the fact that Loeb editions have been in print for the better part of 100 years. Argonautica, however, recently was updated. So the english translation in this Loeb edition flows well and avoids the euphamisms and stilted language of older translations.

Even if your knowledge of greek is weak (like mine), there is much to be gained from this Loeb edition. The preface discusses some of the textual issues with re-constructing the original greek. And the introduction places Appollonius of Rhodes in his historical context.

Personally, I used Teach Yourself Ancient Greek Complete Course to figure out how to pronounce the Greek alphabet. Then I can at least hear what the original would have sounded like as I read the Argonautica to myself.

At the end of the day, if you want a good translation and a book that will stand the test of time, the Loeb edition is the best one on the market.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for mythology lovers!, May 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Apollonius Rhodius: Argonautica (Loeb Classical Library #1) (Hardcover)

Seaton's translation of the "Argonautica" is well written and easy to read. Because the work was completed in 1912, some of the language is archaic but not unreadable. The content of the book is enjoyable. For readers who enjoyed Homer's "Iliad," they will enjoy the "Argonautica" especially since it delves into the heroic deeds of the Homeric heroes' forefathers. Additionally, the book is enjoyable in terms of mythology. (The relationship between Jason and Medea in Book 3 is thought to be a precursor to the story of Dido and Aeneas in Virgil's "Aeneid.") Overall, an excellent book.

0 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Its just the basics, March 9, 2007

By 

Biggs (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Argonautica (Paperback)

I can't really speak for the actual translation, but I am disappointed on the lack of data. The translation is just that. I seem to enjoy at least a glossary of names. A general index to add more to the literal text brings things to life. These series of translations lack both of these.