Precious snippets of ancient song.

The five volumes in the Loeb Classical Library edition of Greek Lyric contain the surviving fragments of solo and choral song. This poetry was not preserved in medieval manuscripts, and few complete poems remain. Later writers quoted from the poets, but only so much as suited their needs; these quotations are supplemented by papyrus texts found in Egypt, most of them badly damaged. The high quality of what remains makes us realize the enormity of our loss.

Volume I presents Sappho and Alcaeus. Volume II contains the work of Anacreon, composer of solo song; the Anacreontea; and the earliest writers of choral poetry, notably the seventh-century Spartans Alcman and Terpander. Stesichorus, Ibycus, Simonides, and other sixth-century poets are in Volume III. Bacchylides and other fifth-century poets are in Volume IV along with Corinna (although some argue that she belongs to the third century). Volume V contains the new school of poets active from the mid-fifth to the mid-fourth century and also collects folk songs, drinking songs, hymns, and other anonymous pieces.

About the Author
David A. Campbell is Professor Emeritus of Greek and Roman Studies at the University of Victoria.

Reviews
The edition is remarkable for is comprehensiveness, good layout and printing, good textual judgment, and fluent, accurate translation. -- Martin L. West * Classical Review *
Campbell... is now giving the Classics world a definitive edition of Greek Lyric. -- Gregory Nagy * Classical Views *



Book Information
ISBN 9780674991583
Author David A. Campbell
Format Hardback
Page Count 560
Imprint LOEB
Publisher Harvard University Press
Weight(grams) 408g
Dimensions(mm) 162mm * 108mm * 25mm