Apollonius Rhodius: Argonautica (Loeb Classical Library #1) (Hardcover)

~ Apollonius Rhodius (Author), R. C. Seaton (Translator)

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 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Apollonius was a Greek grammarian and epic poet of Alexandria in Egypt and lived late in the 3rd century and early in the 2nd century BCE. While still young he composed his extant epic poem of four books on the story of the Argonauts. When this work failed to win acceptance he went to Rhodes where he not only did well as a rhetorician but also made a success of his epic in a revised form, for which the Rhodians gave him the 'freedom' of their city; hence his surname. On returning to Alexandria he recited his poem again, to applause. In 196 Ptolemy Epiphanes made him the librarian of the Museum (the university) at Alexandria.

Apollonius's Argonautica is one of the better minor epics, remarkable for originality, powers of observation, sincere feeling, and depiction of romantic love. His Jason and Medea are natural and interesting, and did much to inspire Virgil (in a very different setting) in the fourth book of the Aeneid.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Loeb Classical Library (November 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674990013
• ISBN-13: 978-0674990012
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #373,079 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

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 4 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.

7 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jason and the ship of dreams, July 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Argonautica (Paperback)

I read this story in Greek Mythology in university. Jason is some kind of wise man. His father was a doctor. The Argonauts are a band of wise men, doctors, shamans, augurers, omen-readers, and shape-changers. The Argo is a ship of dreams. The name Jason has become very popular. I often ask fellows named Jason if they know where their own name comes from, and usually they do not. Everyone named Jason should read the Argonautica. Anyone who knows a Jason should give him a copy for a gift.