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Hesiod, 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.
Hesiod establishes the foundational cosmology of the Greek pantheon and provides a practical guide for human conduct within an unpredictable world. The poet seeks to organize the chaotic origins of the divine hierarchy while simultaneously instructing his brother on the necessity of labor and justice. These texts operate within the constraints of oral tradition, utilizing hexameter verse to codify the myths of Prometheus and Pandora. The narrative framework shifts from a sweeping, objective account of cosmic genealogy to a subjective, didactic address concerning the realities of agrarian life in archaic Greece.
Readers and scholars frequently note the stark contrast between the mythic scope of the Theogony and the grounded, practical nature of Works and Days. Discussion often centers on Hesiod's role as the first identifiable personality in European literature, as he breaks from the anonymity of the epic tradition to address his own life. Critics highlight the effectiveness of his didactic style in preserving the ethics and superstitions of his era. The work is widely regarded as a foundational text for understanding the transition from mythic storytelling to early philosophical inquiry.
Page Count:
113
Publication Date:
2008-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0192649760
ISBN-13:
9780192649768
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