Customer Reviews

Philo: Volume X, On the Embassy to Gaius. General Indexes (Loeb Classical Library No. 379)

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For someone interested in Philo of Alexandria, there are two special reasons to buy this book. The first is that Embassy to Gaius, a historical work, in contrast to Philo's more complex exegetical works, is much easier to read. Therefore it's a good way to get acquainted with the style and personality of Philo.

The second, and perhaps more important, reason, is that this volume contains extensive indices for the first 10 volumes of the 12-volume Loeb edition of the Philonic corpus. (That the last two volumes aren't covered isn't really a major problem.) The indices include: (a) a Scripture Index (indicating each Bible verse Philo cites, and where; 79 pages); (2) an Index of Names (indicating each Biblical person Philo refers to, and where; 64 pages; this is an invaluable resource); (c) an Index of Notes (index to footnotes; 52 pages); and (d) an Index to Greek Words (32 pages). These indices were compiled by J. W. Earp.

Embassy to Gaius, like the other Philonic works in the Loeb series, is presented in Greek and English, on facing pages -- a very helpful format. The Greek text is based on the critical edition of Philo's works by Cohn and Wendland.

If you haven't bought a Loeb Classical Library volume before, the physical dimensions are smaller than most books -- about 4.5" by 6.5" -- but that presents no difficulties; the text is clear and easily readable.