Disciplines Ancient World (Classics) Ancient Literature & Language

The Poems of Hesiod Theogony, Works and Days, and The Shield of Herakles

by Hesiod (Author), Barry B. Powell (Translator)
August 2017
First Edition
Hardcover
$95.00, £80.00 Paperback
$14.95, £12.99 eBook
$14.95, £12.99
Endowments
Joan Palevsky Imprint in Classical Literature
Title Details

Rights: Available worldwide
Pages: 208
ISBN: 9780520966222
Illustrations: 23 color images, 19 charts, 3

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About the Book

In this new translation of Hesiod, Barry B. Powell gives an accessible, modern verse rendering of these vibrant texts, essential to an understanding of early Greek myth and society. With stunning color images that help bring to life the contents of the poems and notes that explicate complex passages, Powell’s fresh renditions provide an exciting introduction to the culture of the ancient Greeks.

This is the definitive translation and guide for students and readers looking to experience the poetry of Hesiod, who ranks alongside Homer as an influential poet of Greek antiquity.

From Our Blog

A Vibrant, New Translation of Hesiod with Stunning Images

In this new translation of Hesiod, acclaimed translator Barry B. Powell gives an accessible, modern verse rendering of these vibrant texts, essential to an understanding of early Greek myth and society. An exciting introduction to …

About the Author

Barry B. Powell is Halls-Bascom Professor of Classics Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the author of Homer and the Origin of the Greek Alphabet; Classical Myth; Writing: Theory and History of the Technology of Civilization; and many other books.

Reviews

”Barry Powell, known for his powerful translations of Homer, now brings to life the epics of Hesiod, the second giant of early Greek literature. Powell's accurate but sparkling English renditions make this book the ideal place to begin reading Hesiod’s timeless classics.”—Ian Morris, Professor of Classics and Professor of History at Stanford University

”Powell’s translation is fresh, rich, and nuanced but never arcane or difficult to follow. Perfect for undergraduate students and anyone who loves Greek epic poetry.”—Carolina Lopez-Ruiz, Associate Professor of Classics at The Ohio State University

”An exciting and most welcome new translation, enriched with illuminating introductions, well-drawn maps, a substantial body of notes, a glossary, indices, explanatory charts, and numerous colorful illustrations.”—Silvia Montiglio, Professor of Classics at Johns Hopkins University

CONTENTS

List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Spelling, the Pronunciation of Ancient Names, and Map References
Maps

General Introduction: Hesiod and His Poems
Introduction to the Theogony
Theogony
Introduction to the Works and Days
Works and Days
Introducton to The Shield of Herakles
The Shield of Herakles

Bibliography
Glossary / Index

ILLUSTRATIONS

Maps

1. The Mediterranean
2. The Aegean Sea
3. Central Greece

Figures

1. Drunken symposiast and lyre
2. Anatolian storm god
3. Zeus throwing lightning at Typhon
4. A Muse playing the lyre
5. The birth of Aphrodite
6. Amphitritê stands before Poseidon
7. The head of Medusa
8. The Chimaira
9. The punishment of Atlas and Prometheus
10. Hades and Persephone
11. Zeus fights Typhon
12. Dawn pursues the Trojan prince Tithonos
13. Egyptian relief of Maat
14. Pandora born from the Earth
15. The Cretan princess Ariadnê and Retribution
16. A naked plowman
17. A winged North Wind (Boreas) rapes Oreithyia
18. A satyr presents a tripod with handles to Dionysos
19. The theater and reconstructed columns of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi
20. The Lapith Kaineus being destroyed by a centaur
21. A centaur tries to carry off Hippodameia
22. The Gorgons pursue Perseus
23. Zeus parts Athena and Ares

Genealogical Charts
1. The primordial gods
2. The children of Earth and Sky
3. The off spring of Earth and the blood of Sky and the birth of Aphroditê
4. The descendants of Night (Nyx) and Strife (Eris)
5. The descendants Earth and Sea
6. The descendants of Phorkys and Keto
7. Other descendants of Phorkys and Keto
8. The children of Okeanos and Tethys
9. The descendants of Th eia and Hyperion and Kreios and Eurybia
10. The children of Pallas and Styx
11. The descendants of Koios and Phoibê
12. The children of Kronos and Rhea
13. The descendants of Iapetos and Klymenê
14. The off spring of Zeus and his many wives
15. The descendants of Ares and Aphrodite
16. The descendants of Helios and Perseïs
17. Other children of Kadmos and Harmonia
18. The children of Dawn (Eos)
19. The descendants of Kalypso, Circe, and Aiëtes
20. The descendants of Perseus and Andromeda