Description
Book SynopsisIn the 6th century BC, Pherekydes of Syros wrote a book about the birth of the gods and the origin of the cosmos of which only fragments survive. On the basis of these, as well as the ancient testimonies, the author attempts to reconstruct the theo-cosmological schema of Pherekydes.
Trade Review'This is a splendid book, impeccably produced, in a style of scholarship rapidly disappearing. Schibli presents a persuasive interpretation of the fragments, modestly but with powerful expertise. Every paragraph is supported with long, learned and lively footnotes, covering a wide range of topics and references. Pherekydes of Syros is to be highly recommended in general, and is indispensable in particular for future study on the emergence of early Greek philosophy from religious and mythological constraints.' M.R. Wright, University of Reading, The Classical Review, Vol. XLII, 1992
'Hermann S. Schibli performs a valuable service in reexamining the evidence for the contents of Pherecydes' book and in reediting the fragments and testimonia. There is little doubt that his edition ... will come to be the standard for future work on Pherecydes ... Schibli gives us here a tremendously important study of an elusive author.' Robert Lamberton, Princeton University, Ancient Philosophy 12 (1992)
Table of ContentsI. Life of Pherekydes; II. pente-/heptamuchos in Pherekydes; III. The marriage of Zas and Chthonie; IV, The battle against Ophioneus; V. Pherekydes on the soul. Retrospect; Appendix 1. Chronos and Zas in Pherekydes; Appendix 2. Testimonia and fragments; Concordance to Diels-Kranz; Bibliography; Index of passages cited; General index.
