Greek Poetry of the Imperial Period: An Anthology

Description

This book contains a selection of pagan Greek poetic texts ranging in date from the first to the sixth century AD. It makes easily accessible for the first time work by poets such as Quintus Smyrnaeus, Nonnus, Musaeus and Babrius hitherto neglected in Classical syllabuses. Genres represented include epic, epyllion, didactic, epigram, lyric and the verse fable. There is a brief general introduction, and in addition each section of detailed commentary is prefaced by a discussion of literary aspects of the poems and of their wider contexts. The book is intended primarily for undergraduate and graduate students of Greek, but will be of interest also to Classical scholars.

"There is no doubt in my mind that an undergraduate can learn more of use about literature of the ancient world...Publications like this one are making that possible." Bryn Mawr Classical Review "It will be a relief for both teachers and students who want to venture beyond Homer and Euripides that there is this handy, chrming edition, which gives...a highly interesting selection from Anacreontea, Mesomedes, epigrams, Quintus Smyrnaeus, Nonnus, Musaeus, (pseudo-)Oppian, pseudo-Manetho, Orphic hymns, and Babrius. The introductions to the individual poets are in general good and informative. The commentary itself is...economic and helpful, and gives concise yet apposite information on literary antecedents, notably epic reminiscences and references to Hellenistic poets, especially Quintus and Nonnus. The contents - both the anthology and the annotation - are excellent, original and stimulating. Therefore, I personally am very much looking forward to reading Hopkinson's selection with my students next semester." Gert-Jan van Dijk, Mnemosyne "This book fully meets the high standards we have come to expect from the editor. Hopkinson's anthology will prove a boon to everyone who tries to introduce students to the long neglected, yet highly interesting Greek literature of the imperial period. But even more advanced scholars who may not have read widely in these authors are sure to profit from this book. The author is to be congratulated on accomplishing a work of such high quality." Thomas A. Schmitz, International Journal of the Classical Tradition