Literary studies: ancient, classical Books

Book SynopsisBy the Poet LaureateThe Alliterative Morte Arthure - the title given to a four-thousand line poem written sometime around 1400 - was part of a medieval Arthurian revival which produced such masterpieces as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Sir Thomas Malory''s prose Morte D''Arthur. The Death of King Arthur deals in the cut-and-thrust of warfare and politics: the ever-topical matter of Britain''s relationship with continental Europe, and of its military interests overseas. Simon Armitage is already the master of this alliterative music, as his earlier version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (2006) so resourcefully and exuberantly showed. His new translation restores a neglected masterpiece of story-telling, by bringing vividly to life its entirely medieval mix of ruthlessness and restraint.

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Book SynopsisIn his reflections on Christianity, Saint Thomas Aquinas forged a unique synthesis of ancient philosophy and medieval theology. Preoccupied with the relationship between faith and reason, he was influenced both by Aristotle's rational world view and by the powerful belief that wisdom and truth can ultimately only be reached through divine revelation. Thomas's writings, which contain highly influential statements of fundamental Christian doctrine, as well as observations on topics as diverse as political science, anti-Semitism and heresy, demonstrate the great range of his intellect and place him firmly among the greatest medieval philosophers.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 enhanTrade Review"There are readers of Aquinas's works, but Penguin's surpasses all by its sheer size, the very representative choice of texts, the excellent translations, and scholarly, informative introductions." —Albert E. GunnTable of ContentsSelected Writings - Thomas Aquinas IntroductionChronologyA Note on the TextsPart One: Student (1245-56)1. The Inaugural Sermons (1256)2. On the Principles of Nature (1252-6)3. On Being and Essence (1252-6)4. The Nature of Theology. Commentary on Sentences I, Prologue (1252-4)5. The Work of the Six Days of Creation. Commentary on Sentences 2.2, d. 12 (1252-4)Part Two: Master at Paris (1256-9)6. Theology, Faith and Reason. On Boethius On the Trinity, 1-2 (1257)7. How are Things Good? Exposition of On the Hebdomads of Boethius (1257)8. The Meanings of Truth. Disputed Question on Truth, I (1256-9)9. On the Teacher. Disputed Question on Truth, II (1256-9)10. On Conscience. Disputed Question on Truth, 17 (1256-9)Part Three: Italy (1259-68)11. Proof of God's Existence. Summa contra Gentiles, I, 9-14 (1259)12. The Human Good. Summa contra Gentiles, 3 (1259-65)13. On the Divine Simplicity. Disputed Question of the Power of God, 7 (1265-6)14. On Goodness and the Goodness of God. Summa theologiae, 1, 5-6 (1268)15. On Creation. Summa theologiae, 1, 44 (1268)16. On Angelic Knowledge. Summa theologiae, 1, 54-8 (1268)17. Definitions of Soul. On Aristotle's De anima, 2, 1-3 (1268)18. Platonism and Neoplatonism. Preface to Exposition of On the Divine Names (1265-8)Part Four: Paris (1269-72)19. The Range of Natural Philosophy. Expositions of Physics, 1, 1, Preface to On the Heavens, Preface to On Sense and the Sensed Object (1269)20. How Words Mean. Exposition of On Interpretation, 1-5 (1270-71)21. On the Ultimate End. Summa theologiae, 1-2, 1-5 (1271)22. On Human Choice. Disputed Question on Evil, 6 (1266-72)23. What Makes Actions Good or Bad? Summa theologiae, 1-2, 18-20 (1271)24. On Law and Natural Law. Summa theologiae, 1-2, 90-94 (1271)25. The Virtues. Summa theologiae, 1-2, 55-7 (1271-2)26. The Active and Contemplative Lives. Summa theologiae, 2-2, 179-81 (1271-2)27. On the Eternity of the World (1271)28. The Love of Wisdom. Exposition of Metaphysics, Preface and 1, 1-3 (1271)Part Five: Naples (1272-4)29. The Logic of the Incarnation. Summa theologiae, 3, 16 (1273)30. What is a Sacrament? Summa theologiae, 3, 6 (1273)31. The Exposition of the Book of Causes, 1-5 (1272)32. Exposition of Paul's Epistle to Philemon (1273)33. Exposition of the Angelic Salutation (Ave Maria) (1273)Glossary

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Book SynopsisFantastic adventures abound in these courtly romances: Erec and Enide, Cligés, The Knight of the Cart, The Knight with the Lion, and The Story of the Grail.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.Table of ContentsTranslated with Introduction and Notes by William W. Kibler; Erec and Enide translated by Carleton W. CarrollIntroductionA Note on the TranslationsSelect BibliographyErec and EnideCligésThe Knight of the Cart (Lancelot)The Knight with the Lion (Yvain)The Story of the Grail (Perceval)Appendix: The Story of the Grail ContinuationsGlossary of Medieval TermsNotes

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Book SynopsisBartolomé de Las Casas was the first and fiercest critic of Spanish colonialism in the New World. An early traveller to the Americas who sailed on one of Columbus's voyages, Las Casas was so horrified by the wholesale massacre he witnessed that he dedicated his life to protecting the Indian community. He wrote A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies in 1542, a shocking catalogue of mass slaughter, torture and slavery, which showed that the evangelizing vision of Columbus had descended under later conquistadors into genocide. Dedicated to Philip II to alert the Castilian Crown to these atrocities and demand that the Indians be entitled to the basic rights of humankind, this passionate work of documentary vividness outraged Europe and contributed to the idea of the Spanish 'Black Legend' that would last for centuries.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700&Table of ContentsA Short Account of the Destruction of the IndiesAcknowledgementsMap of America (1540)IntroductionA Note on Editions and on this TranslationA Short Account of the Destruction of the IndiesSynopisPrologue(Preface)HispaniolaThe Kingdoms of HispaniolaThe Islands of Puerto Rico and JamaicaCubaThe MainlandThe Province of NicaraguaNew SpainNew Spain (continued)The Province and Kingdom of GuatemalaNew Spain, Pánuco and JaliscoThe Kingdom of YucatánThe Province of Santa MartaThe Province of CartagenaThe Pearl Coast, Paria and TrinidadThe River YuyapariThe Kingdom of VenezuelaThe Mainland in the Region Known as FloridaThe River PlateThe Great Kingdoms and Provinces of PeruThe Kingdom of New Granada(Conclusion)Index

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Book SynopsisWritten in the thirteenth century, Njal''s Saga is a story that explores perennial human problems-from failed marriages to divided loyalties, from the law''s inability to curb human passions to the terrible consequences when decent men and women are swept up in a tide of violence beyond their control. It is populated by memorable and complex characters like Gunnar of Hlidarendi, a powerful warrior with an aversion to killing, and the not-so-villainous Mord Valgardsson. Full of dreams, strange prophecies, violent power struggles, and fragile peace agreements, Njal''s Saga tells the compelling story of a fifty-year blood feud that, despite its distance from us in time and place, is driven by passions familiar to us all. This Penguin Classics edition includes an introduction, chronology, index of characters, plot summary, explanatory notes, maps, and suggestions for further reading.

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Book SynopsisEgil's Saga tells the story of the long and brutal life of tenth-century warrior-poet and farmer Egil Skallagrimsson: a morally ambiguous character who was at once the composer of intricately beautiful poetry, and a physical grotesque capable of staggering brutality. The saga recounts Egil's progression from youthful savagery to mature wisdom as he struggles to avenge his father's exile from Norway, defend his honour against the Norwegian King Erik Bloodaxe, and fight for the English King Athelstan in his battles against Scotland. Exploring issues as diverse as the question of loyalty, the power of poetry, and the relationship between two brothers who love the same woman, Egil's Saga is a fascinating depiction of a deeply human character.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

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Book SynopsisThe capstone volume in Penguin Classics’ celebrated series of Icelandic sagas Comic Sagas and Tales from Iceland brings together the very finest Icelandic stories from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, a time of civil unrest and social upheaval. With feuding families and moments of grotesque violence, the sagas see such classic mythological figures as murdered fathers, disguised beggars, corrupt chieftains, and avenging sons who do battle with axes, words, and cunning. The tales, meanwhile, follow heroes and comical fools through dreams, voyages, and religious conversions in medieval Iceland and beyond. Shaped by Iceland’s oral culture and its people’s conversion to Christianity, these stories are works of ironic humor and stylistic innovation. 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 Trade ReviewThis collection of strange and difficult-to-categorize pieces is comic not in the usual sense, but rather, as Viðar explains in his excellent introduction, in the sense of reading counter to the Icelandic family sagas, whose narratives he terms tragic. The stories here are edgy, subversive and often grim little narratives, in striking contrast to the humane, wise and sometimes uplifting family sagas * The Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisBoethius was an eminent public figure under the Gothic emperor Theodoric, and an exceptional Greek scholar. When he became involved in a conspiracy and was imprisoned in Pavia, it was to the Greek philosophers that he turned. The Consolation was written in the period leading up to his brutal execution. It is a dialogue of alternating prose and verse between the ailing prisoner and his 'nurse' Philosophy. Her instruction on the nature of fortune and happiness, good and evil, fate and free will, restore his health and bring him to enlightenment. The Consolation was extremely popular throughout medieval Europe and his ideas were influential on the thought of Chaucer and Dante.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 Table of ContentsThe Consolation of Philosophy " cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" border="0"PrefaceIntroductionI. IntroductoryII. Boethius' Life and WritingsIII. The Consolation of PhilosophyIV. The Christianity of BoethiusV. The TextThe Consolation of PhilosophyBook IBook IIBook IIIBook IVBook VBibliographyGlossary

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Book SynopsisBeowulf is the greatest surviving work of literature in Old English, unparalleled in its epic grandeur and scope. It tells the story of the heroic Beowulf and of his battles, first with the monster Grendel, who has laid waste to the great hall of the Danish king Hrothgar, then with Grendel''s avenging mother, and finally with a dragon that threatens to devastate his homeland. Through its blend of myth and history, Beowulf vividly evokes a twilight world in which men and supernatural forces live side by side. And it celebrates the endurance of the human spirit in a transient world.Alexander''s translation is marked by a conviction that it is possible to be both ambitious and faithful [and] ...communicates the poem with a care which goes beyond fidelity-to-meaning and reaches fidelity of implication. May it go on ... to another half-million copies. - Tom Shippey, Bulletin of the International Association of University Professors of EnglishTrade ReviewMichael Alexander is much the best translator from Old English. His Penguin Beowulf is much to be recommended -- A.N. Wilson

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAthenaze, Books I and II, presents a thoughtful, reading-based approach to learning ancient Greek. Both books are interspersed with superbly written cultural and historical essays that introduce readers to the signature characteristics of Greek culture. * Stephen Esposito, Boston University *I have found Athenaze's methodology successful with today's broad range of student learning styles and varied levels of language sophistication. * Elizabeth A. Fisher, George Washington University *Athenaze is an excellent adaptation of the reading approach for ancient Greek, with excellent Greek readings. * Nicholas Rynearson, University of Georgia *The approach is student friendly, the readings are varied and interesting, and the grammatical explanations are clear. * Laurie Cosgriff, Portland State University *Athenaze is the best text for learning ancient Greek. Period. * George Rudebusch, Northern Arizona University *The storyline and characters of the text readily draw students into the language and culture of the Greeks. Athenaze is arguably the best first-year Greek text on the market. * Richard L. Phillips, Virginia Tech University *Table of ContentsPreface List of Historical Essays List of Maps List of Color Plates About the Authors Introduction Map of Greece and the Aegean Sea 1. O *DIKAIO*PO*LI*S (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: Stems and Endings 2. Nouns: Genders, Stems, Endings, Cases, and Agreement 3. U se of the Definite Article Reading The Athenian Farmer O *DIKAIO*PO*LI*S (*b) Grammar 4. Accents Readings O K*LHPO*S Classical Greek: Heraclitus New Testament Greek: Title page of the Gospel of Luke 2. O *XAN*CIA*S (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: Indicative Mood; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Persons Singular 2. Proclitics 3. The Imperative Readings Slavery Greek Wisdom: Cleobulus of Lindos O *XAN*CIA*S (*b) Grammar 4. Articles, Adjectives, and Nouns; Singular, All Cases 5. U ses of the Cases 6. Persistent Accent of Nouns and Adjectives 7. Recessive Accent of Verbs Readings O *DO*U*LO*S Classical Greek: Callimachus New Testament Greek: Luke 3.22 3. O APOTO*S (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: 3rd Person Plural, Imperatives, and Infinitives Reading The Deme and the Polis O APOTO*S (*b) Grammar 2. Articles, Adjectives, and Nouns; Singular and Plural, All Cases 3. Accent Shifting Readings OI *bOE*S Classical Greek: Menander New Testament Greek: Luke 6.46 4. *PPO*S THI KPHNHI (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: All Persons, Singular and Plural 2. Declensions of Nouns and Adjectives 3. Feminine Nouns and Adjectives of the 1st Declension Readings Women Greek Wisdom: Pittacus (of Mitylene) *PPO*S THI KPHNHI (*b) Grammar 4. Masculine Nouns of the 1st Declension 5. Feminine Nouns of the 2nd Declension 6. 1st and 2nd Declension Adjectives 7. Two Irregular Adjectives 8. Formation of Adverbs 9. The Definite Article as Case Indicator Readings AI *G*UNAIKE*S TO*U*S AN*DPA*S *PEI*CO*U*SIN Classical Greek: Callimachus New Testament Greek: Luke 6.45 5. O *L*UKO*S (a) Grammar 1. Contract Verbs in -a- 2. Recessive Accent of Finite Verbs 3. Article at the Beginning of a Clause 4. Elision Readings Gods and Men Greek Wisdom: Chilon of Sparta O *L*UKO*S (*b) Grammar 5. Agreement of Subject and Verb 6. Personal Pronouns 7. Attributive and Predicate Position 8. Possessives 9. The Adjective a)u*t)o*S, -)n, -)o Readings O AP*GO*S TA *PPO*bATA *S*WIZEI Greek Wisdom: The Seven Wise Men Classical Greek: Anacreon New Testament Greek: Luke 4.22 and 24 6. O M*U*CO*S (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: *P*L)e*W 2. Verbs: Voice 3. Verb Forms: Middle Voice 4. Deponent Verbs Reading Myth O M*U*CO*S (*b) Grammar 5. Middle Voice: Meaning 6. Some Uses of the Dative Case 7. Prepositions Readings O *CH*SE*U*S THN APIA*DNHN KATA*LEI*PEI Classical Greek: Marriage New Testament Greek: Luke 13.10-16 7. O K*UK*L*W*V (a) Grammar 1. Substantive Use of Adjectives 2. Nouns: Declensions 3. 3rd Declension Consonant Stem Nouns: Velar and Dental Stems 4. Reflexive Pronouns Reading Homer O K*UK*L*W*V (*b) Grammar 5. 3rd Declension Consonant Stem Nouns: Nasal Stems 6. 3rd Declension Consonant Stem Nouns: *b, *P, *Q (Labial) and *L, p (Liquid) Stems 7. A 3rd Declension Adjective: *S)w*Qp*Wv, *S*W.*Qpov, of sound mind; prudent; self-controlled 8. The Interrogative Pronoun and Adjective 9. The Indefinite Pronoun and Adjective Readings O TO*U *CH*SE*W*S *PATHP A*PO*CNHI*SKEI Classical Greek: Sophocles Greek Wisdom: Thales of Miletus 8. *PPO*S TO A*ST*U (a) Grammar 1. Participles: "Present" or Progressive: Middle Voice Readings Athens: A Historical Outline Classical Greek: Archilochus New Testament Greek: Luke 5.20-21 *PPO*S TO A*ST*U (*b) Grammar 2. 3rd Declension Consonant Stem Nouns: Stems in -p- 3. Two Important Irregular Nouns: )N *G*Uv)n, *tH.*S *G*Uva*iK)o*S, woman; wife, and )N *Y*e)Ip, *tH.*S *Y*e*ip)o*S, hand 4. 1st/3rd Declension Adjective: *Pa.*S, *Pa.*Sa, *Pa.v, all; every; whole Reading Greek Wisdom: Periander of Corinth Grammar 5. Numbers 6. Expressions of Time When, Duration of Time, and Time Within Which Readings O O*D*U*S*SE*U*S KAI O AIO*LO*S Classical Greek: Sappho: The Deserted Lover: A Girl's Lament 9. H *PANH*G)yPI*S (a) Grammar 1. Participles: Present or Progressive: Active Voice Reading The City of Athens H *PANH*G*UPI*S (*b) Grammar 2. 3rd Declension Nouns with Stems Ending in -v*t- 3. 3rd Declension Nouns with Stems Ending in a Vowel: )N *P)o*L*i*S and *t)O )a*S*t*U 4. 3rd Declension Nouns with Stems Ending in Diphthongs or Vowels: (o *ba*S*i*L*e)y*S and the Irregular Nouns )N va*U.*S and (o *bo*U.*S 5. U ses of the Genitive Case 6. Some Uses of the Article Readings O O*D*U*S*SE*U*S KAI H KIPKH Classical Greek: Simonides New Testament Greek: Luke 6.31-33: The Sermon on the Mount REVIEW OF VERB FORMS PREVIEW OF NEW VERB FORMS 10. H *S*UM*QOPA (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: Verbs with Sigmatic Futures 2. Verb Forms: The Asigmatic Contract Future of Verbs in -)I*z*W 3. Verb Forms: The Sigmatic Future of Contract Verbs 4. Verb Forms: Verbs with Deponent Futures Readings Festivals Classical Greek: Theognis New Testament Greek: Luke 6.35-36: The Sermon on the Mount H *S*UM*QOPA (*b) Grammar 5. Verb Forms: The Asigmatic Contract Future of Verbs with Liquid and Nasal Stems 6. The Irregular Verb *e(I)Yµ*i 7. Future Participle to Express Purpose 8. Impersonal Verbs 9. Review of Questions Readings O O*D*U*S*SE*U*S TO*U*S ETAIPO*U*S A*PO*L*L*U*SIN Classical Greek: Menander and Archilochus New Testament Greek: Luke 5.30-32 11. O IATPO*S (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: Past Tense: The Aorist 2. Verb Forms: The Thematic 2nd Aorist 3. Aspect 4. Thematic 2nd Aorist Active and Middle Participles 5. Verb Forms: Common Verbs with Thematic 2nd Aorists Readings Greek Science and Medicine Classical Greek: Theognis New Testament Greek: Luke 6.20-21: The Beatitudes O IATPO*S (*b) Grammar 6. Verbs with Thematic 2nd Aorists from Unrelated Stems 7. Accents on Thematic 2nd Aorist Active Imperatives 8. Augment Readings O *DHMOKH*DH*S TON *bA*SI*LEA IATPE*UEI New Testament Greek: Luke 6.27-29: The Sermon on the Mount 12. *PPO*S TON *PEIPAIA (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: Past Tense: The Sigmatic 1st Aorist 2. Sigmatic 1st Aorist Active and Middle Participles Readings Trade and Travel Classical Greek: Scolion: The Four Best Things in Life New Testament Greek: Luke 15.3-7: The Parable of the Lost Sheep *PPO*S TON *PEIPAIA (*b) Grammar 3. Verb Forms: The Asigmatic 1st Aorist of Verbs with Liquid and Nasal Stems 4. Irregular Sigmatic 1st Aorists 5. Verb Forms: Augment of Compound Verbs Readings O K*W*LAIO*S TON TAPTH*S*SON E*UPI*SKEI Greek Wisdom: Bias of Priene 13. *PPO*S THN *SA*LAMINA (a) Grammar 1. Verb Forms: The Imperfect or Past Progressive Tense 2. Aspect Reading The Rise of Persia *PPO*S THN *SA*LAMINA (*b) Grammar 3. Relative Clauses 4. 3rd Declension Nouns and Adjectives with Stems in -*e*S- 5. 1st/3rd Declension Adjective with 3rd Declension Stems in -*U- and -*e- Readings O *XEP*XH*S TON E*L*LH*S*PONTON *DIA*bAINEI Greek Wisdom: Solon of Athens Classical Greek: Archilochus New Testament Greek: Luke 21.1-4: The Widow's Mite 14. H EN TAI*S *CEPMO*P*U*LAI*S MA*YH (a) Grammar 1. Comparison of Adjectives 2. Irregular Comparison of Adjectives 3. Comparison of Adverbs 4. U ses of Comparatives and Superlatives Readings The Rise of Athens Classical Greek: Archilochus New Testament Greek: Luke 10.25-29: The Good Samaritan (concluded 14 (B)) H EN TAI*S *CEPMO*P*U*LAI*S MA*YH (*b) Grammar 5. Demonstrative Adjectives 6. Interrogative and Indefinite Pronouns, Adjectives, and Adverbs Readings OI *PEP*SAI TA *U*PEP *CEPMO*P*U*L*WN *STENA AIPO*U*SIN Classical Greek: Theognis New Testament Greek: Luke 10.30-37: The Good Samaritan (concluded) 15. H EN THI *SA*LAMINI MA*YH (a) Grammar 1. Athematic 2nd Aorists 2. More 3rd Declension Nouns with Stems in -*e*S- Readings Aeschylus's Persae New Testament Greek: Luke 2.1-14: The Birth of Jesus H EN THI *SA*LAMINI MA*YH (*b) Grammar 3. Contract Verbs in -o- 4. Contract Nouns of the 2nd Declension 5. More Numbers 6. U ses of )W*S and Its Compounds Reading OI *PEP*SAI TA*S A*CHNA*S AIPO*U*SIN 16. META THN EN THI *SA*LAMINI MA*YHN (a) Grammar 1. The Passive Voice Reading The Athenian Empire META THN EN THI *SA*LAMINI MA*YHN (*b) Grammar 2. Verbs with Athematic Presents and Imperfects: *D)yvaµa*i, K*e*i.µa*i, and )E*P)I*S*taµa*i Readings O *XEP*XH*S *PPO*S THN A*SIAN ANA*Y*WPEI Classical Greek: Sappho: Love's Power Classical Greek: Simonides New Testament Greek: Luke 2.15-20: The Birth of Jesus (concluded) Verb Charts Syllables and Accents Enclitics and Proclitics Forms Forms of Definite Article, Nouns, Adjectives, and Pronouns Laid Out in Case Order N, V, A, G, D Index of Language and Grammar Greek to English Vocabulary English to Greek Vocabulary General Index Acknowledgments

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Book SynopsisShe sees, coming up a second time,earth from the ocean, eternally green;the waterfalls plunge, an eagle soars above them,over the mountain hunting fish.After the terrible conflagration of Ragnarok, the earth rises serenely again from the ocean, and life is renewed. The Poetic Edda begins with The Seeress''s Prophecy which recounts the creation of the world, and looks forward to its destruction and rebirth. In this great collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, the exploits of gods and humans are related. The one-eyed Odin, red-bearded Thor, Loki the trickster, the lovely goddesses, and the giants who are their enemies walk beside the heroic Helgi, Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer, Brynhild the shield-maiden, and the implacable Gudrun. This translation also features the quest-poem The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, in which a girl faces down her dead father to retrieve his sword.Comic, tragic, instructive, grandiose, witty, and profound, the poems of the Edda have influenced artists from Wagner to Tolkien and speak to us as freely as when they were first written down seven hundred and fifty years ago.Trade ReviewLarringtons version of The Poetic Edda has been beautifully translated, and the flow of each poem is perfect. * Kirsty Hewitt, Book Hugger *A 750-year-old haul of Icelandic verse might not sound like cutting-edge entertainment but these sinewy sagas include such modern elements as gutsy heroines and ultra-violence. * Christopher Hirst, Independent *This is a lovingly presented translation of one of the most important works of Norse mythology ... A fabulous collection worthy of multiple readings. * Arthur Chappell, Concatenation.org *

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Book SynopsisXenophon's Memorabilia and Apology provide a passionate defence of Socrates against the charges brought against him that lead to his execution. The two texts together provide a moving account of what happened immediately before, during, and after his trial.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Note on the Greek Texts Select Bibliography Abbreviations Chronology Maps MEMORABILIA Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 APOLOGY Explanatory Notes Glossary of Greek Terms

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Book Synopsis''no one else in our times has attempted to write a universal history''Polybius'' ambitious goal was to describe how Rome conquered the Mediterranean world in less than fifty-three years. This great study of imperialism takes the reader back to Rome''s first encounter with Carthage in 264 and forward to her destruction of that renowned city in 146. Polybius, himself a leading Greek politician of the time, emphasizes the importance of practical experience for the writing of political history as well as the critical assessment of all the evidence. He attributes Rome''s success to the greatness of its constitution and the character of its people, but also allows Fortune a role in designing the shape of world events.This new translation by Robin Waterfield, the first for over thirty years, includes the first five books in their entirety, and all of the fragmentary Books 6 and 12, containing Polybius'' account of the Roman constitution and his outspoken views on how (and how not) to write history. Brian McGing''s accompanying introduction and notes illuminate this remarkable political history. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade Review...this new translation of Polybius will be a valuable resource for teachers and students of Polybius and Roman history. The authors deserve no small praise for permitting one of the most highly regarded ancient historians, yet also one of the least read, speak to a new generation. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *Waterfield is a veteran translator who is senstive to the idiosyncrasies of ancient originals and chooses the difficult task of rendering them in good, natural English. * Bryn Mawr Clasical Review *

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Book SynopsisThe modern, unacademic idiom of A.D. Melville's translation opens the way to a fresh understanding of Ovid's unique and elusive vision of reality.Trade Review`This translation will quickly establish itself as _the_ transation for English speaking readers and students of this great Augustan epic.' Dr A.H.F. Griffin, University of Exeter'a work of the highest quality which provides pleasure and information in generous measure.' JACT Review

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Book SynopsisTrade Review`The best current translator of Latin poetry, Guy Lee, has now turned his attention to "The Poems of Catullus" ... this is yet another distinguished version from Lee's pen which deserves to become the standard version both for those with Latin and those studying Catullus in translation, and its author deserves hearty congratulations.' Greece and Rome'the work of a consummate Latinist ... with a desire to communicate something of the elegance and verbal flair of his original, a matter close to L.'s heart as the crisp introduction makes plain ... a very persuasive book' Roland Mayer, King's College, London, The Classical Review, Vol. XLIII, No. 2, 1993Table of ContentsIntroduction: The text; The collection: Catullus the Epigrammist; Catullus' life and poetry; the translation; A chronology; Latin text and English verse translation; Explanatory notes; Appendices: A. Difference from Mynors' Oxford text; B. The metres of Catullus; Select bibliography

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Book Synopsis''The finest translation in and for our time'' (Kevin Crossley-Holland) Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, with its intricate plot of enchantment and betrayal is probably the most skilfully told story in the whole of the English Arthurian cycle. Originating from the north-west midlands of England, it is based on two separate and very ancient Celtic motifs of the Beheading and the Exchange of Winnings, brought together by the anonymous 14th century poet. His telling comprehends a great variety of moods and modes - from the stark realism of the hunt-scenes to the delicious and dangerous bedroom encounters between Lady Bercilak and Gawain, from moments of pure lyric beauty when he evokes the English countryside in all its seasons, to authorial asides that are full of irony and puckish humour. This new verse translation uses a modern alliterative pattern which subtly echoes the music of the original at the same time as it strives for fidelity. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford WorlTrade ReviewThe Oxford World's Classics edition offers students an excellent introduction to this classic text and also important notes and chronologies.

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Book SynopsisThe struggle which Plato has Socrates recommend to his interlocutors in Gorgias - and to his readers - is the struggle to overcome the temptations of worldly success and to concentrate on genuine morality. Ostensibly an enquiry into the value of rhetoric, the dialogue soon becomes an investigation into the value of these two contrasting ways of life. In a series of dazzling and bold arguments, Plato attempts to establish that only morality can bring a person true happiness, and to demolish alternative viewpoints. It is not suprising that Gorgias is one of Plato''s most widely read dialogues. Philosophers read it for its coverage of central moral issues; others enjoy its vividness, clarity and occasional bitter humour. This new translation is accompanied by explanatory notes and an informative introduction. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s comm

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Book SynopsisThe Greek lyric, elegiac, and iambic poets of the two centuries from 650 to 450 BC - Archilochus and Alcman, Sappho and Mimnermus, Anacreon, Simonides, and the rest - produced some of the finest poetry of antiquity, perfect in form, spontaneous in expression, reflecting all the joys and anxieties of their personal lives and of the societies in which they lived. This new poetic translation by a leading expert captures the nuances of meaning and the whole spirit of this poetry as never before. It is not merely a selection but covers all the surviving poems and intelligible fragments, apart from the works of Pindar and Bacchylides, and includes a number of pieces not previously translated. The Introduction gives a brief account of the poets, and explanatory Notes on the texts will be found at the end. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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Book SynopsisThese new translations present Plato''s remarkable dramatization of the momentous events surrounding the trial of Socrates in 399 BC, on charges of irreligion and corrupting the young. The Euthyphro, Defence of Socrates, and Crito form a dramatic and thematic sequence, raising fundamental questions about the basis of moral, religious, legal, and political obligation. Plato explores these issues with a freshness and directness that have never been surpassed. In the Defence of Socrates, Plato seeks not only to clear his master''s name, but also to defend the whole Socratic way of life, and therefore philosophy itself. The result is an oratorical masterpiece. The Euthyphro, an inquiry into the nature of piety, probes the relationship between religion and morality. The Crito discusses the citizen''s obligation to the state, in the context of a life-or-death issue confronting Socrates himself - whether or not to escape from prison. David Gallop''s Introduction provides a stimulating philos

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Book SynopsisThe third edition of The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature is the complete and authoritative reference guide to the classical world and its literary heritage. It not only presents the reader with all the essential facts about the authors, tales, and characters from ancient myths and literature, but it also places these details in the wider contexts of the history and society of the Greek and Roman worlds. With an extensive web of cross-references and a useful chronological table and location maps (all of which have been brought fully up to date), this volume traces the development of literary forms and the classical allusions which have become embedded in our Western culture. Extensively revised and updated, the Companion includes more thematic entries - medicine, friendship, science, the concept of freedom, and sexuality. These topical entries provide an excellent starting point to the exploration of their subjects in classical literature. The Companion contains extensive biogrTrade ReviewReview from previous edition 'useful and enjoyable... a miniature encyclopedia of the Graeco-Roman world' * Listener *a standard reference book for the forseeable future * Contemporary Review *a volume for all seasons... indispensable * Times Educational Supplement *will be the vade mecum of schoolchildren and undergraduates for generations to come * Sunday Telegraph *A necessity for any seriously literary household. * History Today *Table of ContentsPREFACE; A-Z ENTRIES; CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE; MAPS

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Book SynopsisThe third edition of the definitive collection of Chaucer''s Complete Works, reissued with a new foreword by Christopher Cannon.Since F. N. Robinson''s second edition of the The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer was published in 1957, there has been a dramatic increase in Chaucer scholarship. This has not only enriched our understanding of Chaucer''s art, but has also enabled scholars, working for the first time with all the source-material, to recreate Chaucer''s authentic texts.For the third edition, an international team of experts completely re-edited all the works, added glosses to appear on the page with the text, and greatly expanded the introductory material, explanatory notes, textual notes, bibliography, and glossary.In short, the Riverside Chaucer is the fruit of many years'' study - the most authentic and exciting edition available of Chaucer''s Complete Works.Trade Reviewoffers a much-needed shot in the arm to Chaucer studies in colleges and universities * Modern Language Review *indispensable for scholars and beginners alike ... Professor Larry D Benson ... deserves a medal both for organizing a formidable team of American and British scholars and for the excellence of his own contributions. * IBooks *an enormous advance on its predecessor ... particularly in its informative introductory materials, glossary ... and the addition of explanatary notes ot the foot of each page. At well over 1,300 pages, it must be a bargain. * Country Life *This is a comprehensive, readable ... and up-to-date edition of the first major English poet ... the Riverside editors have served their poet handsomely. The new texts are improvements on which reveal just how brilliant an editor Robinson was, despite his limited access to the manuscripts.' * The Guardian *The Riverside Chaucer . . . is beautiful to look at and a sensuous delight to handle. Within its stout covers the entire works of the father of English literature are displayed in fine clear type with very adequate footnote glossaries. The linguistic, historical and literary scholarship are a masterpiece of Anglo-American collaboration. The reading of Chaucer is made into an exquisite pleasure, not a philological chore. This is the best edition of Chaucer in existence. * Anthony Burgess *It is a sheer pleasure to read. * Good Book Guide *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; THE CANTERBURY TALES; THE BOOK OF THE DUCHESS; THE HOUSE OF FAME; ANELIDA AND ARCITE; THE PARLIAMENT OF FOWLS; BOECE; THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN; THE SHORT POEMS; A TREATISE ON THE ASTROLABE; THE ROMAUNT OF THE ROSE; APPENDIX

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Book Synopsis''we can speak of no greater contest than Olympia''The Greek poet Pindar (c. 518-428 BC) composed victory odes for winners in the ancient Games, including the Olympics. He celebrated the victories of athletes competing in foot races, horse races, boxing, wrestling, all-in fighting and the pentathlon, and his Odes are fascinating not only for their poetic qualities, but for what they tell us about the Games. Pindar praises the victor by comparing him to mythical heroes and the gods, but also reminds the athlete of his human limitations. The Odes contain versions of some of the best known Greek myths, such as Jason and the Argonauts, and Perseus and Medusa, and are a valuable source for Greek religion and ethics. Pindar''s startling use of language - striking metaphors, bold syntax, enigmatic expressions - makes reading his poetry a uniquely rewarding experience.Anthony Verity''s lucid translations are complemented by an introduction and notes that provide insight into competition, myth,

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Book Synopsis''I will do as the Senate decrees.''These words from one of Rome''s opponents encapsulate the authority Rome achieved by its subjugation of the Mediterranean. The Third Macedonian War, recounted in this volume, ended the kingdom created by Philip II and Alexander the Great and was a crucial step in Rome''s eventual dominance. For Livy, the story is also a fascinating moral study of the vices and virtues that hampered and promoted Rome''s efforts in the conflict. He presents the war not so much as a battle against Perseus, Alexander''s last and unworthy successor, than as a struggle within the Roman national character. Only traditional moral strength, embodied in Lucius Aemilius Paullus, the general who ultimately defeats Perseus, ensures the Roman victory.This edition also includes the Periochae, later summaries of Livy''s entire original 142-book history of Rome from its founding to the age of Augustus (of which only 35 books survive).The complete Livy in English, available in five volumes from Oxford World''s Classics. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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Book SynopsisHorace exposes the vices and follies of his Roman contemporaries in his Satires, and the Epistles include the famous Art of Poetry, whose advice on poetic style influenced many later writers and dramatists. John Davie's new prose translations perfectly capture the ribald style of the original.

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Book Synopsis''What is poetry, how many kinds of it are there, and what are their specific effects?''Aristotle''s Poetics is the most influential book on poetry ever written. A founding text of European aesthetics and literary criticism, from it stems much of our modern understanding of the creation and impact of imaginative writing, including poetry, drama, and fiction. For Aristotle, the art of representation conveys universal truths which we can appreciate more easily than the lessons of history or philosophy. In his short treatise Aristotle discusses the origins of poetry and its early development, the nature of tragedy and plot, and offers practical advice to playwrights. This new translation by Anthony Kenny is accompanied by associated material from Plato and a range of responses from more modern literary practitioners: Sir Philip Sidney, P. B. Shelley, and Dorothy L. Sayers. The book includes a wide-ranging introduction and notes, making this the most accessible and attractive modern editioTable of ContentsIntroduction ; Note on the Texts and Translation ; Select Bibliography ; Chronology of Aristotle ; Outline of the Poetics ; from Plato's Republic, Books II, III, and X ; Aristotle's Poetics ; from Sir Philip Sidney's Apology for Poetry ; from P. B. Shelley's Defence of Poetry ; from Dorothy L. Sayers's Aristotle on Detective Fiction ; Explanatory Notes ; Note on Metre ; Glossary of Key Terms ; Index

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Book Synopsis''She sees, coming up a second time,Earth from the ocean, eternally green;the waterfalls plunge, an eagle soars above them,over the mountain hunting fish.''After the terrible conflagration of Ragnarok, the earth rises serenely again from the ocean, and life is renewed. The Poetic Edda begins with The Seeress''s Prophecy which recounts the creation of the world, and looks forward to its destruction and rebirth. In this great collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, the exploits of gods and humans are related. The one-eyed Odin, red-bearded Thor, Loki the trickster, the lovely goddesses and the giants who are their enemies walk beside the heroic Helgi, Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer, Brynhild the shield-maiden, and the implacable Gudrun. New in this revised translation are the quest-poem The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, in which a girl faces down her dead father to retrieve his sword.Comic, tragic, instructive, grandiose, witty and profound, the poems of the Edda have influenced artists from Wagner to Tolkien and a new generation of video-game and film makers.ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade ReviewLarringtons version of The Poetic Edda has been beautifully translated, and the flow of each poem is perfect. * Kirsty Hewitt, Book Hugger *A 750-year-old haul of Icelandic verse might not sound like cutting-edge entertainment but these sinewy sagas include such modern elements as gutsy heroines and ultra-violence. * Christopher Hirst, Independent *these sinewy sagas include such modern elements as gutsy heroines and ultra-violence * Independent *

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Book SynopsisWillcock provides a line-by-line commentary that explains allusions and Homeric conventions that a student or general reader could not be expected to bring to an initial encounter with the Iliad.

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Book Synopsis**Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year**The Penguin Classics Book is a reader''s companion to the largest library of classic literature in the world.Spanning 4,000 years from the legends of Ancient Mesopotamia to the poetry of the First World War, with Greek tragedies, Icelandic sagas, Japanese epics and much more in between, it encompasses 500 authors and 1,200 books, bringing these to life with lively descriptions, literary connections and beautiful cover designs.Trade ReviewBeautifully designed and lovingly compiled * The Spectator *Smartly illustrated with original cover artwork-ideal for glancing over dearly loved literary companions, as well as for discovering gaps to fill . . . This is a fascinating survey of how our nation's literary tastes have altered over the years and makes us wonder anew at what constitutes a 'classic'. -- Emily Rhodes * Country Life *The perfect gift for bibliophiles * The Arts Society UK *I can't imagine a better or more beautifully presented reference for a book-lover -- Waterstones.com review

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Book SynopsisThe text is unabridged, with original spelling and extensive, easy-to-use marginal glosses and footnotes.

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Book SynopsisAppian (ca. AD 95–161) is a principal source for the history of the Roman Republic. His theme is the process by which Rome achieved her contemporary prosperity, and his method is to trace in individual books the story of each nation’s wars with Rome up through her own civil wars. This Loeb edition replaces the original by Horace White (1912–13).Trade ReviewA superb, nuanced translation…It is not simply that McGing updates the translation to reflect contemporary idiom; he also breathes new life into Appian’s prose on almost every page…This exceptionally well executed Loeb is a welcome resource that will be deeply appreciated by all those interested in Appian and his remarkable Roman History as well as expand his appeal to a new generation of readers. -- Alain M. Gowing * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *I have not read any fictions that have more dramatic tension, philosophy, or narrative curiosities than this history of Appian’s. * Pennsylvania Literary Journal *

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Book SynopsisOvid Unseens provides a bank of 80 practice passages of Latin verse, half elegiac and half hexameter.Taken from across Ovid's works, including the Metamorphoses, Fasti, Heroides, Amores and Tristia, the passages help build students'' knowledge and confidence in a notoriously difficult element of Latin language learning. Every passage begins with an introduction, outlining the basic story and theme of the passage, followed by a lead-in' sentence, paraphrasing the few lines before the passage begins. The first set of passages are translation exercises of 12-16 lines, each accompanied by a Discendum box which highlights a key feature of poetic Latin, equipping students further with the skills to tackle ever more difficult verse passages at first sight. These are followed by longer passages with scansion exercises and questions on comprehension and stylistic analysis, replicating unseen verse exam questiTrade ReviewOvid Unseens offers a wide-ranging and carefully graded collection of passages, giving students an excellent introduction to the poet and to the technique of unprepared verse translation. It is packed with sound advice and will be hugely useful. -- John Taylor, Head of Classics at Tonbridge School, UK and author of "Latin Beyond GCSE"Table of ContentsPreface Introduction to Ovid Translating Latin verse Ovid’s style Ovid’s Elegiac Poetry: - Shorter translation passages 1-20 - Full translation and comprehension passages 21-40 Ovid’s Hexameter Poetry: - Shorter translation passages 1-20 - Full translation and comprehension passages 21-40 An introduction to scansion and Ovid’s metres Verse vocabulary checklists Index locorum

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Book SynopsisBorn in Tuscany in 1304, Italian poet Francesco Petrarca is widely considered one of the fathers of the modern Italian language. His writings inspired the Humanist movement and, subsequently, the Renaissance, but few figures are as complex or as misunderstood. He was a devotee of the ancient pagan Roman world and a devout Christian, a lover of friendship and sociability, yet at times an intensely private and almost misanthropic man. He believed life on earth was little more than a transitory pilgrimage, and took himself as his most important subject-matter. Christopher S. Celenza provides the first general account of Petrarch's life and work in English in over thirty years, and considers how his reputation and identity have changed over the centuries. He brings to light Petrarch's unrequited love for his poetic muse, Laura, the experiences of his university years, the anti-institutional attitude he developed as he sought a path to modernity by looking toward antiquity, and his endless focus on himself. Drawing on both Petrarch's Italian and Latin writings, this is a revealing portrait of a paradoxical figure: a man of mystique, historical importance and endless fascination.Trade Review'Complexities of interpretation are food and drink to Petrarchan scholars, and Christopher Celenza tucks into them with quiet determination in his short life-and-works overview . . . Celenza's book introduces us to the breadth of Petrarch's intellectual world.' - Charles Nicholl, London Review of Books; 'Celenza's account, easily the best and most accessible life of Petrarch to appear in English in a century . . . ranges easily over the whole of the poet's life and times, following him in the "wanderings" Celenza describes as characterising Petrarch's somewhat peripatetic career in the service of the wealthy Visconti family and others. The book's main strength is its literary sensitivity; Celenza finds echoes of Petrarch's life in a far wider array of his writings than marquee sonnets - his various treatises, essays, and Latin verse all receive refreshingly intelligent integration into the broader narrative . . . the book's most memorable Petrarch is also its best achievement: the man himself, querulous, self-doubting, eager for fame but distrustful of it. That Petrarch very much does speak to our own age, and in these pages by Celenza, he finally gets a life of his own.' - The National; '[Petrarch] himself turned again and again in his writings to the flaws of humanity. Celenza exposes the Italian writer's flaws throughout his book, while simultaneously eliciting pity and respect. If he's a "misunderstood" man, then this book makes us want to understand him, contradictions and all.' - Times Higher Education; 'The entire book shines with Celenza's close attention to historical and philological detail, his superb textual and contextual analyses, and his deep understanding of how much Petrarch's legacy contributed to European cultural life. This brief review can barely suggest the subtlety with which the author interweaves such familiar texts as the poet's account of climbing Mount Ventoux with his evolving idea of Italy, and such ongoing endeavours as the poet's incursions into Italian verse with his efforts to secure a political future for Italy. Though designed for and accessible to a wide readership, the book will delight Petrarchan specialists with up-to-date nuggets of scholarly information, smart insights into cultural contexts, and powerful reinterpretations of landmark texts.' - Renaissance and Reformation; '[a] well-informed yet highly readable and elegant presentation . . . an impressive publication with which Celenza has set a standard for future research that will not be easy to surpass, when it comes to outlining Petrarch's intellectual profile both from the perspective of his life and work.' - Bernhard Huss, Germanisch-Romanische Monatsschrift; 'The Epilogue connects several facets of Petrarch's posthumous reputation, reviewing his identities as a Latinist, classicist and Tuscan love-poet, and arguing that his complex personality "speaks to our age more than ever". For scholars hoping to join that Petrarchan dialogue, Celenza's biography will serve as a vital interlocutor.' - Forum for Modern Language Studies; 'No one who wants an up-to-date introduction to Petrarch will do better than Christopher Celenza's life and letters treatment, Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer, beautifully printed by Reaktion Books. The prose is direct, demotic, and engaging, sometimes professorial, but pleasantly professorial.' - Brian Copenhaver, Journal of Modern History; 'The book on my table is beautiful, on the inside as well as the outside. And it is not only attractive to look at, it is also well written - a pleasure to read . . . This is a book that is meant to read from start to finish, rather than as a reference work; reading it is a little like walking through a labyrinth, or solving puzzles (which the present writer at least loves doing). It is stimulating and it gives you new ideas.' - Bryn Mawr Classical Review; 'not least among this book's virtues is the wealth of color illustrations, which include not only portraits of the poet and photographs of important Petrarchan sites, but also copies of manuscripts owned, annotated, or written by Petrarch, as well as later editions of his works. For the uninitiated, these images and their commentary grant special access into Petrarch's own reading and writing habits. Combined with the author's breadth of reference and limpid prose style, they make this book a pleasurable and accessible guide to Petrarch for the twenty-first-century neophyte.' - Speculum; 'The striking appeal of Christopher Celenza's study is how the scattered worlds of Petrarch are brought together in vigorous unity - the passionate classicist haunted by a yearning for modernity, the Tuscan love poet whose melodious sonnets for Laura would be imitated for centuries, the restless Augustinian pilgrim, and the self-conscious yet enigmatic spider in a network of powerful friends and acquaintances. In his elegant and poetic style, Celenza combines reader-friendliness with scholarly sophistication and depth. This is a timely intellectual biography written by one of today's leading Renaissance scholars.' - Professor Unn Falkeid, University of Oslo, author of The Avignon Papacy Contested: An Intellectual History from Dante to Catherine of Siena

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the 2014 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction (now the Bailie Gifford)A thrilling and complex book, enlarges our view of Homer There's something that hits the mark on every page' Claire Tomalin, Books of the Year, New StatesmanWhere does Homer come from? And why does Homer matter? His epic poems of war and suffering can still speak to us of the role of destiny in life, of cruelty, of humanity and its frailty, but why they do is a mystery. How can we be so intimate with something so distant?The Mighty Dead' is a magical journey of discovery across wide stretches of the past, sewn together by some of the oldest stories we have the great ancient poems of Homer and their metaphors of life and trouble. In this provocative and enthralling book, Adam Nicolson explains why Homer still matters and how these vital, epic verses with their focus on the eternal questions about the individual versus the community, honour and service, love and war tell us how we became who we are.Trade Review‘A thrilling and complex book, enlarges our view of Homer… there's something that hits the mark on every page’ Claire Tomalin, Books of the Year, New Statesman ‘Bursting with enthusiasm, erudition and eccentricity: a travelogue, a memoir, a work of literary criticism and, at bottom, an archaeology of the western imagination. Completely thrilling’ Susan Hill, Books of the Year, Spectator ‘Only the hardiest immune systems will be able to resist his unselfconscious adoration of the poet. Anyone who feels they never 'got' Homer should read this book’ Books of the Year, Sunday Times ‘Astounding. Scholarly, but so up-close and personal that you feel it in the guts… it transcends genre…you come away exhilarated’ Sofka Zinovieff, Books of the Year, Spectator ‘A brilliant, passionate, world-wandering love letter to Homer … far more inspirational than any dry academic exegesis. If the only real test of any book about Homer is that it should make you want to go back to Homer, then ‘The Mighty Dead’ passes in a blaze of glory’ Sunday Times ‘A hosanna to Homeric wandering and wanderlust … breathes new life into an ancient adventure’ Observer ‘A thrillingly energised book that travels to the real-life locations of the action … it transmits a whole worldview at once decipherable and dramatically strange … To read Homer is to be struck by what Nicolson calls ‘time-vertigo’ – and this book is one that holds your hand and encourages you to peer over the edge’ Spectator ‘As gripping as a thriller and as delicately constructed as a sonnet … an astonishing tour de force that reveals Homer to be at once as ancient as papyrus and as modern as MTV … in dealing with the body-thudding side of epic Nicolson proves to be in his element’ Telegraph ‘Erudite, far-ranging in time and space, and provocative… [his] enthusiasm is enriching and his examination of the character of the two epics acute and fascinating. Homer matters because he can stimulate books such as this’ Literary Review

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE 2017 SHORTLISTED FOR THE LONDON HELLENIC PRIZE 2017 WINNER OF THE PRIX MÉDITERRANÉE 2018From the award-winning, best-selling writer: a deeply moving tale of a father and son's transformative journey in reading and reliving Homer's epic masterpiece.When eighty-one-year-old retired scientist Jay unexpectedly enrols in his estranged classicist son Daniel's course on the Odyssey, the journey of a lifetime commences. Professor and student glean life lessons from the page over a semester and, that summer, son and father take to the sea to follow Odysseus's epic trail. Reading Homer becomes their chance to understand each other before it's too late. Theirs is a moving and erudite story of filial love and the importance of the classics. Rich with literary and emotional insight and weaving themes of deception and recognition, marriage and children, the pleasures of travel and the meaning of home, this is memoir writing at its finest.Trade Review‘A brilliant family memoir … At its core, it is a funny, loving portrait of a difficult but loving parent: … An Odyssey is a stellar contribution to the genre of memoirs about reading – literary analysis and the personal stories are woven together in a way that feels both artful and natural. A thoughtful book from which non-classicists will learn a great deal about Homer … A funny, loving portrait of a difficult but loving parent: a “much-turning man”’ Emily Wilson, Guardian ‘Combining an in-depth literary analysis with a personal narrative is a bold enterprise. An Odyssey could have been, in the hands of a lesser writer, grandiose. It isn’t. It is so well written that every page makes you feel more alert and alive. The brilliance of An Odyssey lies in the insightfulness of the writing, as Mendelsohn immerses himself in the Odyssey: lives it, breathes it, and presses it for meaning’ Helen Morales, TLS ‘There are a handful of books that have captured the pleasure and romance of this subject. Donna Tartt’s was one … this is another. Homer has a phrase for those who can speak bewitchingly: they have ‘winged words’. Mendelsohn has winged words’ The Times ‘The book enacts a truth that has long been central to Mendelsohn’s writing and teaching, which is that the great works of antiquity remain relevant today. His prose flits seamlessly across intervals and registers, switching from erudite exposition one minute to emotion-filled reminiscence the next. An accomplished, brave book that testifies to what is perhaps The Odyssey’s most abiding message: that intelligence has little value if it isn’t allied to love’ Observer ‘An exquisitely written book about fathers and sons, life and grief’ Mail on Sunday ‘Subtle, profoundly moving … an intricately constructed, multidimensional journey of a father and son and their travails through life and love … A book of shimmering, beautiful, dapple-skilled intelligence’ Adam Nicolson, New York Times Book Review

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.There is no greater sorrow then to recall our times of joy in wretchedness.'Considered one of the greatest medieval poems written in the common vernacular of the time, Dante's Inferno begins on Good Friday in the year 1300. As he wanders through a dark forest, Dante loses his way and stumbles across the ghost of the poet Virgil. Virgil promises to lead him back to the top of the mountain, but to do so, they must pass through Hell, encountering all manner of shocking horrors, sins and evil torments along the way, evoking questions about God's justice, human behaviour and Christianity.

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Book Synopsis“Really, what other book would anyone ever need?” —Naomi Shihab Nye, author of Honeybee“Elegant and exquisite.” —Deepak Chopra, author of Muhammad, Jesus, and BuddhaThe Big Red Book is a poetic masterpiece from Jalaluddin Rumi, the medieval Sufi mystic whom Time magazine calls “the most popular poet in America.” Readers continue to be awed and inspired by Rumi’s masterfully lyrical, deeply expressive poems, collected in volumes such as The Illustrated Rumi, The Soul of Rumi, and the bestselling The Essential Rumi. With The Big Red Book, acclaimed poet and Rumi interpreter Coleman Barks offers a never-before-published translation of a crucial anthology of poems widely considered to be one of Persian literature’s greatest treasures. Trade Review"Coleman Barks is a pioneer and renown scholar on Rumi, the great Sufi. In his elegant and exquisite way, Coleman has made Rumi as popular as Shakespeare to the world and continues to inspire us with the Rumi's ecstatic poetry." -- Deepak Chopra, author of The Shadow Effect and Jesus "Really, what other book would anyone ever need?" -- Naomi Shihab Nye, author of Honeybee "Coleman Barks found Rumi floating in some Georgia lake and brought him back to life. What a blessing! Rumi says, 'Some nights stay up until dawn, as the moon sometimes does for the sun.' Coleman has stayed up all night, and every reader is grateful." -- Robert Bly, National Book Award-winning poet and translator "Rumi's Big Red Book tells us: 'Compassion builds a door, Restlessness cuts a key.' I am forever grateful to Coleman Barks, restless, yearning to find the bridge from Rumi and Shams to the world we presently inhabit. He is truly to Be Loved for making this 'transaction with beauty'..." -- Debra Winger, Actress "Without question, we can credit Coleman Barks with making Rumi accessible to American readers through his modernized renditions of the best-known poems of the great Islamic mystic... Richly sensual yet never flowery, Barks' language emphasizes Rumi's embodied spirituality in a book to savor." -- Booklist (starred review) "An emeritus English professor at the University of Georgia, Barks has spent 34 years working on Rumi's poetry - you could even say that Rumi has been the secret companion musician Barks has danced to." -- Los Angeles Times "Barks has become internationally renowned for his translations... Rumi: The Big Red Book is the culmination of his work." -- Shambhala Sun

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Book Synopsis"The T 'ain B 'o Cuailnge", centre-piece of the 8th century Ulster cycle of heroic tales, is Ireland's greatest epic. This translation is based on the partial texts in two medieval manuscripts, with elements from other versions, and adds a group of related stories which prepare for the T 'ain.Table of ContentsTranslator's Note and Acknowledgements ; Artist's Note ; Introduction ; Maps ; Some Recommended Books ; Pronunciation of Irish Words ; Before the Tain ; The Tain ; Notes on the Text

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Book SynopsisHesiod, who lived in Boetia in the late eighth century BC, is one of the oldest known, and possibly the oldest of Greek poets. His Theogony contains a systematic genealogy of the gods from the beginning of the world and an account of the struggles of the Titans. In contrast, Works and Days is a compendium of moral and practical advice on husbandry, and throws unique and fascinating light on archaic Greek society. As well as offering the earliest known sources for the myths of Pandora, Prometheus and the Golden Age, Hesiod''s poetry provides a valuable account of the ethics and superstitions of the society in which he lived. Unlike Homer, Hesiod writes about himself and his family, and he stands out as the first personality in European literature. This new translation, by a leading expert on the Hesiodic poems combines accuracy with readability. It is accompanied by an introduction and explanatory notes. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade Review'This is a very welcome publication, an authoritative translation of a major greek author at a reasonable price. Essential reading for classicists' J. G. Hourie, Dept. of Classics, University of Edinburgh' Readers who have no previous knowledge of Hesoid will find this an extremely accessible book, written in such a way that the non-specialist will be able to read, follow and enjoy these works. This is in part due to Professor West's excellent translations and partly due to his real and profound interest in his subject, which is further reflectd by a most informative and useful introduction.' The Greek Rreview'So much better than the corresponding Penguin translation of Hesiod. The introduction is splendid.' P. Walcot, University College, Cardiff.'The edition is admirably produced, mercifully free from misprints ... an edition with a stimulating Introduction, a very readable translation' JACT Review'West ... has now produced fine translations of these poems into fresh, lively and eminently readable English. It must quickly establish itself as the translation for English-speaking readers.' Jennifer R. March, University College, London. Classical Review

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Book SynopsisThe first authorized copy of this mysterious, much-speculated-upon, one-of-a-kind, centuries-old puzzleTrade Review“For the first time, a complete reproduction [of] The Voynich Manuscript, has been published, featuring essays exploring what is known about the book and extra-wide margins so readers can record their responses to its beguiling, beautiful strangeness.”—Nina MacLaughlin, Boston Globe“For people who like a good historical mystery, this first authorized publication of the fifteenth- or sixteenth-century Voynich Manuscript will fascinate.”—Rebecca Onion, Slate“Handsome and well-produced. . . This facsimile and the accompanying series of essays give a clear sense of the current state of knowledge on the manuscript and reveal the findings of new research.”—H. R. Woud Huysen, Times Literary Supplement“The Voynich MS has inspired generations of enthusiasts dedicated to deciphering it. . . . This beautiful facsimile will make it available for many more people to become enticed and entranced by it.”—David V. Barrett, Fortean Times“The Voynich Manuscript, a volume edited by the library’s curator Raymond Clemens, revivifies this tantalising artefact. . . . Wide margins are deliberately provided for readers’ notes on their own ideas. ‘Bonne chance!,’ writes Clemens. I’ll second that.”—Andrew Robinson, Nature“Perhaps studying these pages in the hope of unlocking secrets is to miss the point. It’s almost as though the book exists in order to make the inquiry into its existence possible.”—Jamie Martin, London Review of Books“As handsome a new book as you could own. This medieval beauty has it all: fold-out sections, delicate illustrations of plants, astrological charts, what look to be alchemical recipes. . . . But the main thing about it—the thing that makes publishing it so quixotic—is that it’s a book you can’t actually read. Nobody can.”—Sam Leith, Prospect“Sumptuous facsimile reproduction. . . . Jennifer Rampling’s judiciously skeptical essay . . . is a careful deconstruction of over-excited theories.”—Kathryn Murphy, Apollo“This new book, reproducing the entire Voynich Manuscript, is a godsend. While the essays offer valid clues to the manuscript’s age and relation to late medieval science, the manuscript itself stubbornly refuses to yield its secrets.”—Roger S. Wieck, Department of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts, Morgan Library & Museum“A book worthy of its subject in every way. Clemens and his collaborators have done an extraordinary job teasing out some of the secrets and wonders of the enigmatic Voynich Manuscript in ways that will make this volume an invaluable resource for many years to come.”—Bruce Holsinger, author of A Burnable Book“Many hands have held Voynich’s now-eponymous book over the centuries . . . yet none of them have managed convincingly to solve its mysteries.”—Deborah Harkness, from the Introduction

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Book SynopsisAn eloquent call to draw on the lessons of the past to address current threats to international orderTrade Review“A brilliant new book.”—Philip Bobbitt, Wall Street Journal "In this spare, almost mathematical primer, Hal Brands and Charles Edel deliver a rebuke to complacency and a defense of constructive pessimism in the service of America’s engagement with the world."—Robert D. Kaplan, author of The Return of Marco Polo’s World: War, Strategy, and American Interests in the Twenty-first Century"Hal Brands and Charles Edel have written a crucial reminder that being so safe for so long has dulled our imagination of how dangerous and destructive the alternatives are to the ‘flawed masterpiece’ of post-World War II order the U.S. created. Read this to relish two fine minds expertly marshaling 5,000 years of western culture to motivate our communal resolve to preserve the liberal international order. What an education!"—Kori Schake, author of Safe Passage: The Transition from British to American Hegemony"Brands and Edel show that the tragedy of international relations is not, as some would argue, that nations are doomed to war—but rather that war comes when leaders and the public fail to learn from the past how to preserve the peace. This is a compelling account of the dangers of “historical amnesia” at time when many question the need for sustained U.S. global leadership. The Lessons of Tragedy does more than warn of the dangers; it draws on the demonstrable achievements of past U.S. statecraft to chart a more hopeful course for the future."—James B. Steinberg, Professor at Syracuse University and former Deputy Secretary of State“This powerful book by two of America's most brilliant historians and theorists of grand strategy writing at the top of their game provides a timely reminder that the history of international relations has been replete with catastrophes and costly disasters."—Eric Edelman, former Ambassador to Turkey, Finland and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy 2005-2009“This compact, engaging, and evocative volume packs a sharp, lasting punch. Brands and Edel argue persuasively for a return to the “tragic sensibility” that spurred the creation of all previous international orders. Reading The Lessons of Tragedy would benefit politicians, national security professionals, and civilians alike—in the same way that the great theatrical tragedies benefited ancient Greek society. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”—Robert Work, 32nd United States Deputy Secretary of Defense

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Book SynopsisThis deluxe edition of the world''s most beloved, bestselling classic on Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology is stunningly illustrated with specially commissioned full-color plates and a beautiful gold-bordered pages. Since its original publication in 1942, Edith Hamilton''s Mythology has sold millions of copies throughout the world and established itself as a perennial bestseller. For nearly 80 years, readers have chosenMythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes above all other books to discover the enchanting world of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology -- from Odysseus''s adventure-filled journey to Odin''s effort to postpone the final day of doom. This deluxe, hardcover edition is illustrated throughout with specially commissioned, original artwork and beautifully illustrated lineages, making it a true collector''s item.

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