What do you think?
Rate this book
Lyrica Graeca Selecta
Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1968, 8vo (cm. 19 x 13) legatura tutta tela con fregi e titoli dorati al dorso, pp. VIII-268 (testi di Saffo, Alceo, Alcmane, Anacreonte, Stesicoro) . Stato di nuovo (Scriptorum Classicorum Bibliotheca Oxoniensis) . Testo greco.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 451
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 2, 2019
In its original meaning, lyric poetry indicated verse accompanied by a lyre. Within that category, based on the contents of this volume, there was a wide variety of styles and genres. Several dialects of Greek are represented, including Doric/Laconic (Alcman), Aeolic (Sappho and Alcaeus), Ionian (Anacraeon), and—to me the strangest of all—Boeotian (Corinna). As with all Oxford Classical Text editions, there is very little guidance for the uninitiated. Fortunately the editor of this volume, Denys Page, also wrote monographs on Alcman and on Sappho and Alcaeus, both of which I found very helpful and informative.
Besides the variety of styles and dialects, the selection of poetry varies in length and state of preservation. Many of the poems exist only in fragments, sometimes in a line or two quoted by a later author, other times in mangled papyri. Complete poems are a rarity, making it hard to judge the quality of the whole work.
Even so, little gems have miraculously been preserved. I committed to memory four lines by Alcman where he wishes that the chorus singing his poem could carry him on their backs as a certain type of bird is said to do with the older members of its community. I also loved Anacraeon's highly accessible odes to wine, women, and song. I found Sappho's poetry mellifluous and moving.
Some other poets I found more difficult. I really did not get Alcaeus until I read Denys Page's discussion of his life and times. Timotheus's "Persians" was incredibly difficult due to the heavy use of invented compound words and elaborate euphemisms. For instance, "the shining folds of the fish-wreathed bosom of Amphitrite" might more concisely be rendered "the sea." It reminded me in affect of Old Norse skaldic poetry.
Diving into Greek lyric poetry was a new experience for me. I found it incredibly challenging, but also rewarding. I hope and intend to return to favorite selections again in the future.
Besides the variety of styles and dialects, the selection of poetry varies in length and state of preservation. Many of the poems exist only in fragments, sometimes in a line or two quoted by a later author, other times in mangled papyri. Complete poems are a rarity, making it hard to judge the quality of the whole work.
Even so, little gems have miraculously been preserved. I committed to memory four lines by Alcman where he wishes that the chorus singing his poem could carry him on their backs as a certain type of bird is said to do with the older members of its community. I also loved Anacraeon's highly accessible odes to wine, women, and song. I found Sappho's poetry mellifluous and moving.
Some other poets I found more difficult. I really did not get Alcaeus until I read Denys Page's discussion of his life and times. Timotheus's "Persians" was incredibly difficult due to the heavy use of invented compound words and elaborate euphemisms. For instance, "the shining folds of the fish-wreathed bosom of Amphitrite" might more concisely be rendered "the sea." It reminded me in affect of Old Norse skaldic poetry.
Diving into Greek lyric poetry was a new experience for me. I found it incredibly challenging, but also rewarding. I hope and intend to return to favorite selections again in the future.
Displaying 1 of 1 review