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The Iliad of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore Richmond Lattimore gave this ancient poem a spirit and vitality that had gone untapped for decades. This translation of The Iliad illuminates the Trojan War in a way that suits the poetic grandeur of this epic masterpiece. It is easy to understand why this story has been an inspiration to countless readers for over two thousand years. |
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The Odyssey of Homer translated by Richmond Lattimore The Odyssey tells the story of the trials of long suffering Odysseus as he makes his way home to Ithaka from the Trojan War. The translation is literal in that it does not try to turn this ancient classic into a modern poem. The characters are compelling and the drama is truly epic. I have read this book many times and each reading renews my faith in the power of the human spirit. |
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Art and Myth in Ancient Greece: A Handbook by Thomas H. Carpenter Mr. Carpenter seems to have the right combination of education and articulation to make history and it’s artifacts come alive in his hands. This book is full of facts, insights and truly compelling versions of the ancient Greek myths. Examples of the artwork from this book can be seen at the Rhode Island School of Design web site which can be accessed from the Links Page on this site. Order Art and Myth in Ancient Greece: A Handbook from Amazon.com |
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The Art and Culture of Ancient Greece, 1100-480 B.C. by Jeffrey M. Hurwit This book is a treasure trove of information about pre-historic Greece. Mr. Hurwit presents an organized and compelling picture of the early Greeks and maps their evolution from simple nomads into the founders of Western culture. This book is informative, entertaining and full of excellent photos. Order The Art and Culture of Ancient Greece, 1100-480 B.C. from Amazon.com |
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The Argonautika: The Story of Jason and the Quest for the Golden Fleece translated by Peter Green
There are several good translations of the Quest for the Golden Fleece but I consider this book to be the most readable. It also has a complete index and an informative glossary. Any book by Peter Green is guaranteed to be enjoyable as well as educational. |
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Hesiod: Theogony, Works and Days and Shield translated by Apostolos N. Athanassakis Three of the finest and oldest poems of Hesiod. Mr. Athanassakis is one of my favorite Greek translators because he seems to present the material faithfully without trying to modernize and explain the text as he goes along. Order Hesiod: Theogony, Works and Days and Shield from Amazon.com |
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Hesiod: Homeric Hymns, Epic Cycle, Homerica, Loeb Classical Library volume 57 edited by Jeffrey Henderson
The Loeb Classical Library books give the Greek and English texts on facing pages. This arrangement makes it easy to follow the Greek words (especially the Greek proper names) as you read the translation. This particular book is full of complete poems as well as tantalizing fragments and commentary revolving around the Trojan War. Order Hesiod: Homeric Hymns, Epic Cycle, Homerica, Loeb Classical Library volume 57 from Amazon.com |
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7 Greeks by Guy Davenport This book is inspiration at its finest. Just reading the introduction of this excellent book will convince you that Mr. Davenport is as much a poet as he is a scholar. He brilliantly presents the works of poets such as: Sappho, Alkman, Anakreon, Arkhilokhos and others. |