Greek Iambic Poetry: From the Seventh to Fifth Centuries BC (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780674995819)

Scurrilous verse.

The poetry of the archaic period that the Greeks called iambic is characterized by scornful criticism of friend and foe and by sexual license. The purpose of these poems is unclear, but they seem to have some connection with cult songs used in religious festivals--for example, those honoring Dionysus and Demeter. In this completely new Loeb Classical Library edition of early Greek iambic poetry, Douglas E. Gerber provides a faithful and fully annotated translation of the fragments that have come down to us.

Archilochus expressed himself in colorful and vigorous language. Famous throughout antiquity for his winged barbs, he is often considered the archetypal poet of blame. Other major poets in this volume are Semonides, best known for a long misogynistic poem describing ten types of wives; and Hipponax, who was much admired by the poets of Hellenistic Alexandria, in part for his depictions of the licentious and seamy side of society.

Author: Douglas E. Gerber, Archilochus
ISBN-10: 0674995813
ISBN-13: 9780674995819
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Language: English
Published: 07/30/1999
Pages: 560
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.78lbs
Size: 6.66h x 4.56w x 1.01d