Sappho

by Marguerite Johnson

This series of short incisive books introduces major figures of the ancient world to the modern general reader, including the essentials of each subject's life, works, and significance for later western civilisation. In the newly created tradition of the "Ancients in Action" series, Marguerite Johnson has written a fascinating and accessible account of what remains of the life and works of the Greek poet, Sappho. Sappho's ancient biography is covered in addition to the post-classical accounts of her life, which continue to appear, in a variety of creative and non-creative contexts, in contemporary literature and art. Sappho's poetry, essentially preserved in tantalising fragments, is discussed in a series of thematic chapters that include her religious writings, particularly directed to the goddess of love, Aphrodite; personal interpretations of mythological themes; marriage hymns; and love songs to female companions.

Genres: Poetry, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2007

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there were more fragments of her work but it was good :)

[Madison M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has taught me not only a deeper understanding of Sappho’s poetry, but also how the prevailing structural and social stigmas over time shaped her image. Ovid’s Heroides XV recast Sappho not primarily as the “great poet” of antiquity, but as a tragic lover pining for Phaon. (The ferryman in Greek Mythology) In later European traditions, particularly in France, this portrayal distorted her legacy into something closer to romantic legend than literary authority, reflecting a cultural zeitgeist that was deeply uncomfortable with w|w.
Not my usual read, but I’m really glad I picked this up, I learnt something I previously had no knowledge of and am now excited to read her poems with a well-informed mind.

[Verity Ruston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this author on the "sweetbitter" podcast that I really recommend for anyone who is interested in Sappho. A lot of what is discussed in that podcast is from this book. This is a really useful primer for getting into the academic and historical side in terms of what we know and how we know it