Theogony and Works and Days (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

Hesiod (Author), M. L. West (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 26, 2009 | ISBN-10: 019953831X | ISBN-13: 978-0199538317 | Edition: Reissue

This new, fully-annotated translation by a leading expert on Hesiodic poems combines accuracy with readability and includes an introduction and explanatory notes on these two works by one of the oldest known Greek poets. The Theogony contains a systematic genealogy and account of the struggles of the gods, and the Works and Days offers a compendium of moral and practical advice for a life of honest husbandry.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a very welcome publication, an authoritative translation of a major greek author at a reasonable price. Essential reading for classicists."--J. G. Hourie, Dept. of Classics, University of Edinburgh

"Readers who have no previous knowledge of Hesoid will find this an extremely accessible book, written in such a way that the non-specialist will be able to read, follow and enjoy these works. This is in part due to Professor West's excellent translations and partly due to his real and profound interest in his subject, which is further reflectd by a most informative and useful introduction."--The Greek Rreview

"So much better than the corresponding Penguin translation of Hesiod. The introduction is splendid."--P. Walcot, University College, Cardiff

"...An edition with a stimulating Introduction, a very readable translation."--JACT Review

About the Author

Hesiod, the early Greek poet and rhapsode who presumably lived around 700 BCE, serves as a major source for knowledge of Greek mythology, farming techniques, archaic Greek astronomy and ancient time-keeping. M.L. West is a Professor of Greek at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Reissue edition (July 26, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019953831X
• ISBN-13: 978-0199538317
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.3 x 7.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Ancient & Classical Literature > Greek
  • #25 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Folklore & Mythology
  • #27 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Ancient, Classical & Medieval

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good translation, line numbers are included May 19, 2011

By Walter Jacob, IV

Format:Paperback

It's becoming clear that Amazon needs to separate the Kindle reviews from the other reviews. A previous reviewer noted that line numbers were not included in his/her edition, but if you are a potential buyer of a hard copy of this book you can rest your worried mind because the page numbers are indeed included in this edition, the only problem being that they are listed only at the top of the page so one has to count up or down to obtain a specific line number. It's not particularly important though, since there are only some 30 lines per page so it's fairly easy to guess your line if you are referring to the notes, which are helpful. Or if you are constantly flipping back and forth, you could always pencil the numbers in by, say, 10s. The translation itself is the best contemporary prose translation into English that I am aware of. In my opinion it does an excellent job of handling the language with a good amount of precision while maintaining its readability. Just my 2 cents.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Straight translation December 25, 2011

By George Bryant

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This version of the Hesiod classics has not been plumped up to carry the story over better but instead gives an accurate translation. This means that it may not be your best read ever but you get it how it was written.

For those that want it that was for research purposes etc, this is perfect. For those that want it filled out with story elements added from other sources (therefore potentilly for more entertainment) then this is not for you.

For me, I got what I wanted so happy.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware this edition October 22, 2012

By krebsman VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This product has been misrepresented. Under the "Editorial Reviews" section of the product description, one review, which one would assume was connected to the product, praises "Professor West's excellent translations." This is NOT the West translation! In fact, there is no credit for translation AT ALL! To make matters worse, the words are merely spilled over the page with no attempt to present them as verse. The "notes" are perfunctory and basically useless. This appears to be a "print on demand" book. It also appears not to have been proofread or edited at all. The text is rife with misspellings and typos. In several instances I had to figure out that "is" should have been "if." Amazon is refunding my money.