Customer Reviews

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Ancient Greek Edition)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The writing of the second century AD author Lucian was the model for this translation of Harry Potter in to ancient Greek. A more appropriate author could not be found. Lucian is where we get the story "The Sorceror's Apprentice" (for his tale "The Lover of Lies"), so he provides vocabulary very relevant to JK Rowling's story.

While I don't see any universities adding this Greek translation into their classics curriculum or graduate reading lists, and nor do I see anyone really sitting down to read it cover-to-cover, it is a nice little novelty to have on one's bookshelf (next Harrius Potter, of course).

I think it is a wonderful idea to translate such a popular children's book into Ancient Greek and Latin. I'm currently reading the Latin translation and am enjoying it. Unfortunately, I can't comment on the Greek translation as I'm only beginning to learn the language. I am, however, looking forward to one day being able to read it.

What I can do is provide wonderful website that contains an article by the translator telling how he came to be the translator, how he chose a style and how he chose the Greek names for the characters as well as Hogwarts, Quidditch, etc. It is a very interesting read. Do a search for Greek Harry Potter on Google and go to the Classics Page.

I got this book as a birthday gift and I've got to say it's at least really interesting. If you're a student of Koine or late Attic, go for it. This reads very much like the New Testament in that it's easier to see the grammatical constructions of sentences and translate at an intermediate level (depending on your already-established vocabulary). That isn't to say that the book is easy, by any means, but it does provide an extra exercise for those who want (or need) to practice their translations.

Interesting note: Don't translate this side-by-side with the English version. Translating from English to Greek and back to English will absolutely NOT yield the same results. And read it with a Scott-Liddell nearby for piece of mind.

This product was shipped promptly and was in pristine condition. It was a great price and I am fully satisfied. It is a wonderful translation. The book maintains its "Harry Potter-ness" while having a distinct Ancient Greek flair. It's one of the few translations that conveys the dimension of J.K.'s genious. There are puns and humor and in general it is just wonderfully clever. I am extremely happy with it.

Well, if your father can still quote the opening page of the Illiad in Greek from his old school days like mine can, you've got someone to give this to. Admittedly, this is for a small group of interested parties, but it might also spark an interest in language in a bright youngster. Reading something familiar in a new language is certainly one of the better ways to learn.

I beg to differ in response to another who commented that this book will not be added to any curriculum soon. Next semester, advanced Greek students at my college will be doing a Harry Potter reading club once a week. One student will be taking it as a class, while everyone else (of high enough skill) is welcome to join to have some fun. Sadly, I just graduated and can't participate... but I'm thinking of keeping up and coming when I can. The tough decision is, should I keep reading Homer or take a break for some Harry Potter...? I'm definately going for the Latin version though!

Translating this text into ancient Greek is such an excellent idea! Way to go!

I gave this book three stars, because Harry Potter and his friends are much too young. I could enjoy the other Parts of HP. The first one is easy to read. The others are quite difficult to understand.