Explore the origins and growth of Greek epic, with clear, readable context and direct access to the texts.
This edition presents the early history of Greece alongside a focused survey of the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Hesiodic poems. It combines concise narrative with detailed explanations tied closely to the original passages, plus translations and selected verse passages that illuminate Homeric characters in action. The author notes his method and pays tribute to influential scholars and editions, helping readers understand how epic poetry developed from myth and legend into classic Greek verse.
- A guided tour through pre-Hellenic origins, the Homeric poems, and Hesiod’s works.
- Plain explanations linked directly to the text, with selective verse translations.
- Discussion of meter, style, and the choices behind prose and poetry renderings.
Ideal for students and general readers seeking a clear, scholarly pathway into the Greek epic tradition and its major works.