These foundational texts investigate the origins of the divine order and the moral imperatives required for a functional human society. Hesiod, writing in the 8th or 7th century BCE, provides a systematic account of the Greek pantheon's genealogy in the Theogony and a didactic manual for agricultural and ethical living in Works and Days. The author utilizes traditional epic meter and oral poetic conventions to codify the religious and social values of the archaic Greek world.

Scholars and classicists regard this edition as a standard reference for students due to its accessible translation and rigorous scholarly apparatus. Readers frequently note the density of the historical context provided in the introduction, which is necessary for navigating the complex mythological references.