It is beneficial to possess prior knowledge of the Greek histories and myths. This is because a significant number of these short poems and fragments revolve around such themes. The translation appears to have been carried out proficiently and is indeed helpful, although I lack a basis for comparison. I perused all of the entries, and it was evident that some were more engaging and entertaining than others. Overall, the experience was just okay. This particular work is more suited for individuals who have a vested interest in the Ancient Greeks or those who have an appreciation for various forms of poetry.

Read this for my WEM group.

It turned out to be more interesting than I initially thought.

I truly enjoyed learning about Solon and Sappho.

Solon, a renowned Athenian statesman and lawmaker, made significant contributions to the development of Athens. His reforms helped to establish a more just and democratic society.

Sappho, on the other hand, was a remarkable poet. Her works were filled with passion and beauty, expressing deep emotions and exploring themes such as love and desire.

Studying about these two individuals has given me a greater appreciation for the rich history and culture of ancient Greece.

I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge with my WEM group and engaging in further discussions about their significance.

I only read selections out of this book.

I delved into the poems of Solon, Sappho, and Pindar. These selections originated from diverse regions of the ancient Greek world and were penned by different genders, with one female poet, Sappho, and two male poets. They also boasted different meters and styles. Among them, I had a particular affinity for Sappho.

One of her fragments goes as follows: "Like the sweet apple turning red on the branch top, on the top of the topmost branch, and the gatherers did not notice it, rather, they did notice, but could not reach up to take it." I'm not entirely sure what the metaphor implies. Is it a beautiful, young woman with unfulfilled hopes? Or perhaps the unfulfilled dreams of the gatherers? It, however, did remind me of Robert Frost's poem "After Apple Picking."

In Frost's poem, he writes, "My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree Toward heaven still, And there's a barrel that I didn't fill Beside it, and there may be two or three Apples I didn't pick upon some bough. But I am done with apple-picking now."

Robert Frost's poem shares the same element - an apple or two left at the top of a tree, unpicked. This could potentially be a metaphor for death, with the apples representing unfulfilled dreams.

What a wonderful reminder to contemplate during this apple-picking season when the crisp fall air filters in through the windows every evening. It urges us to live life to the fullest and reach for those apples on the top branches. To strive for them and not let our dreams go unfulfilled.

A nearly flawless introduction by one of the great translators of Ancient Greek Poetry.

This introduction serves as a remarkable gateway into the world of Ancient Greek Poetry. The translator, with their profound knowledge and expertise, has crafted an introduction that is both engaging and informative.

It provides valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and literary context of the poetry, allowing readers to better understand and appreciate the works.

The language used is precise and elegant, capturing the essence of the ancient texts while also making them accessible to a modern audience.

Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply a lover of poetry, this introduction is sure to captivate and inspire you.

It sets the stage for a journey through the rich and diverse world of Ancient Greek Poetry, inviting you to explore its beauty, wisdom, and timelessness.

With such a nearly flawless introduction, you can be confident that you are in good hands as you embark on this literary adventure.

I sort of glossed over the lesser well-known ones.

However, Pindar and Bacchylides were truly incredible. Pindar's poetry was known for its grandeur and elegance, filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions. Bacchylides, in particular, had a unique style that was both charming and engaging.

Sappho, of course, was breathtaking as usual. Her poetry was filled with passion and beauty, expressing the deepest emotions of love, longing, and desire. Her words had the power to move people's hearts and souls, and her influence on literature has been profound.

Together, these poets represent some of the greatest literary achievements of ancient Greece, and their works continue to inspire and delight readers today.

This book had absolutely no impact on me whatsoever.

In my (untrained) perception, all the poetry within these pages sounds monotonous. It seems to revolve around the same themes: the gods, their city, or spears.

There is an abundance of references to previous writings that I haven't had the opportunity to read or to some mythological stories with which I'm not familiar. So, to some extent, it's my own shortcoming that I couldn't fully appreciate them. However, these references are overly direct, extremely dry, and far too frequent.

There is a distinct lack of subtlety, and none of the surprise and delight that we typically encounter in more contemporary poetry. It's as if the poems in this book are trapped in a bygone era, unable to break free and engage with the modern reader on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Perhaps with more knowledge and a better understanding of the context, I might have been able to find some value in these poems. But as it stands, this book has left me cold and unimpressed.

I stumbled on this a while ago. At that time, I thought that since I am currently delving into literature from the 17th and 18th centuries, it wouldn't be inappropriate to read a bit more. These works are distinct from the Greek poetry I perused a few years ago when I initiated this project. Greek poetry is composed mainly of fragments. For me, reading Greek poetry still feels more like an anthropological exploration rather than a pure literary delight. Poems that focus on brave enemies or those that sporadically celebrate sports victories simply don't hold my interest. Maybe if I had the ability to read them in their original language, my perception might change. However, I did manage to come across a few poems, mostly epigrams, that I was glad to have been exposed to. They offered a different perspective and a hint of the rich literary heritage that lies within Greek poetry.

A handy collection of lyrical Greek poetry awaits, often consisting of little more than fragments. Some of it may be forgettable, but there are gems like the works of Pindar, Solon, Sappho, Archilochus, and others. It's truly remarkable how, in certain places, the sentiments expressed seem so modern. It makes one wonder if, when it comes to the art of living, we've really improved at all. The words penned by these ancient poets still have the power to touch our hearts and make us reflect on our own lives. They offer a window into a world long past, yet one that shares many similarities with our own. Whether it's the joys and sorrows of love, the struggles of life, or the search for meaning, the Greeks had much to say. And perhaps, in their poetry, we can find some answers and inspiration for our own journey through life.

The aesthetic quality of these [items] is rather hit or miss. However, that isn't truly the essence or the main point of a collection such as this one. I discovered it to be extremely interesting to peruse through these.

"The time of afterdeath for us is very long.

We live a wretched sum of years, and badly, too." This statement seems to convey a certain sense of melancholy and perhaps a reflection on the brevity and dissatisfaction of our earthly lives in contrast to the potentially long and unknown period that awaits us after death. It makes one pause and think about the value and meaning we assign to our time here on earth.

Despite the variable aesthetic quality, the collection as a whole offers a unique perspective and引发了 deep thoughts and emotions within me.

It serves as a reminder that sometimes, it's not just about the outward appearance or the immediate appeal, but rather the underlying ideas and concepts that can have a profound impact on our understanding of life and beyond.