Ptolemy: Tetrabiblos (Loeb Classical Library No. 435) [Hardcover]

Ptolemy (Author), F. E. Robbins (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0674994795 | ISBN-13: 978-0674994799 | Publication Date: January 1, 1940

The Tetrabiblos of the famous astronomer and geographer Claudius Ptolemaeus (ca. 100–178 CE) of Egypt consists of four books, the title given in some manuscripts meaning 'Mathematical Treatise in Four Books', in others 'The Prognostics addressed to Syrus'. The subject is astrology, which in Ptolemy's time as down to the Renaissance was fused as a respectable science with astronomy. Translations and commentaries are few, and only three Greek texts had been printed (all in the 16th century) before the present one and the one begun by F. Boll and finished by Emilie Boer in 1940.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 466 pages
• Publisher: Loeb Classical Library (January 1, 1940)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674994795
• ISBN-13: 978-0674994799
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #585,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for any Astrology/Metaphysical Library, January 6, 2000

By 

fritz Fratz (St. Moritz) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ptolemy: Tetrabiblos (Loeb Classical Library No. 435) (Hardcover)

The wonderful thing about this translation of Ptolemy's seminal work in Astrology is the conscientious and painstaking work to adhere to the original text which appears on the opposing side of the english text translation. I am in a position to corroborate myself its accuracy. As a result however the English text is not an easy or flowing contemporary style. This is not a quick read, and probably should be used as reference. It covers a multitude of Astrological areas and can serve as a springboard to further inquiry. The book is a compact size, typeface and spacing pleasant and non-fatiguing.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible amongst astrology litterature., April 13, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Risør, Norway) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ptolemy: Tetrabiblos (Loeb Classical Library No. 435) (Hardcover)

This book is the source for most astrology - the ancients as well as the moderns students - who have respect for the art. Claudius Ptolemy was born in Egypt and lived in the years 100-178 (ref. Tetrabiblos)and left the scripts which is presented here in the four books "Tetra Biblos".

It is from this scripts astrologers through the times has found the descriptions of the strength of dignities and debillities of the planets, the methodes of making predictions, subdivisions of the science of nativities, bodily descriptions etc.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice edition, February 26, 2010

By 

Christopher R. Travers "Einhverfr" (Chelan, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ptolemy: Tetrabiblos (Loeb Classical Library No. 435) (Hardcover)

Ptolomy's "Tetrabiblos" (as most call it today) is the seminal work on western Astrology. It covers a tremendous area including nativities, astrology of events, and advanced matters of interpretation. The work has been one of the most influential works assembled in its day and had a wide-ranging impact on the later developments in Hellenistic times, among the Christian late middle ages, and the Islamic golden age as well.

This book is nicely typeset with facing page translation. The translation is clear and easy to read, but careful to preserve the original meanings and hence preserving more of Ptolomy's style than many readers might desire. The footnotes are generally helpful and the introduction places much in context.

Anyone interested in studying the Hellenistic world, Astrology, or the Classics will want to get this book. Highly recommended.