Barry B. Powell Bücher

The ancient Greek hymnic tradition is presented in a beautifully accessible format. Hymns served as a vital art form in antiquity, encompassing poetry, craft, worship, and philosophy. While the Homeric Hymns are well-known, other significant collections have remained less accessible to those interested in ancient poetry. Reading these hymns offers valuable insights into classical life. This collection features early Homeric Hymns of uncertain authorship, the refined works of Hellenistic poet Callimachus, mystical writings attributed to Orpheus from the time of Christianity's rise, and the hymns of Proclus, the last significant pagan philosopher of the fifth century AD, whose intellectual legacy has greatly influenced Western culture. This volume distills over a millennium of the Greek hymnic tradition. Acclaimed translator Barry B. Powell brings these texts to life in English, maintaining the poetic beauty of the original Greek. His insightful introductions and notes provide essential context, making the hymns accessible to both beginners and advanced students. Additionally, brilliant illustrations from ancient art enhance the reading experience, enriching the understanding of these timeless poems.

For an undergraduate level course in Classical Mythology. Helping students gain a more meaningful understanding of the origin of the concept “myth” in the ancient world, this practical guide provides information on the social and historical background of classical myth, as well as commentary on the primary literary texts most often read in courses on Greek myth―including Homer, Hesiod, the tragedians, the historians, Ovid, and Vergil. Written by an internationally acclaimed scholar, the book is an ideal supplement in courses using primary sources. (Penguin paperbacks of these texts are available shrink-wrapped with this book.)