Voyage of Argo : The Argonautica

Apollonius, Rhodius; Rieu, E. V. (TRN); Rieu, E. V. (INT)

ISBN 10: 0140440852 / ISBN 13: 9780140440850

Published by Penguin Classics, 1959

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 491304-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Voyage of Argo : The Argonautica
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication Date: 1959
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0140440852
• ISBN 13: 9780140440850
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Written in the third century BC in Alexandria, this is the only full surviving account of Jason's legendary quest for the Golden Fleece. It describes the thrilling adventures of the Argonauts on their voyage to Colchis to plead with king Aeetes for the fleece, his greatest treasure - and the Eros-inspired passion felt by his daughter, the beautiful witch-princess Medea, for the scheming Jason. Chronicling a journey that sees Jason and his crew traverse perilous seas, negotiate the treacherous Cyanean Rocks, and confront the lure of the Sirens' song, The Voyage of Argo is a masterful depiction of distinctly human heroism and betrayal caused by love. An eloquent marriage of romance and realism, it tells the definitive version of one of the greatest legends of the classical age: an epic tale of bravery, prophecy and magic.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

About the Author

Apollonius of Rhodes developed the classical traditions of the Homeric epic, expanding them to include a flair for romance and psychological insight which were entirely his own. He published his first version of the Argonautica sometime in the middle of the third century B.C. but was met with derision and prepared a second and probably shorter version. This was so well received by the Rhodians that he was honoured with their franchise and for some years lived on that island. Later he returned to Alexandria to find his work now held in high esteem. At the end of his life he was Director of the famous library of Alexandria.