A very useful introduction and notes for someone who knows nothing about this (me). But I can't help but be bored by some bucolic. Zzzzz

Theocritus was a Greek poet of the 3rd century BC. From Syracuse in Sicily. He is best known - if you know him at all' as the 'inventor' of bucolic poetry. This collection of 31 short poems demonstrate the themes and style of his work. This edition was translated by Anthony Verity and has an introduction and notes* by Richard Hunter.

As the introduction points out though there is a variation within Theocritus' work. Yes, there is a format that revolve around song competitions - more like rap battles than actually competitions - between herdsman. These can be refreshing rude.

There are also though hymns, mimes, short re-tellings of parts of larger myths - Heracles, and some praise for the powerful. Some of it reads like plays. I wasn't quite sure how much of this material would have been set to music. The introduction implies that by the time Theocritus was writing poetry had moved away from being set to music and more to simply recitations and private reading. Obviously I can't tell you how accurate that is.

There is a lot of humour in some of the poems as well as the depictions of nature and rural life that one would expect from pastoral poetry.

As usual with Ancient Greece though we know less than we would like and the introduction does an excellent job of contextualising what you are reading. The notes are useful too, although a tad repetitive on occasion.

The poetry is interesting to read. I don't think Theocritus will be one of my favourite poets. Although I recommend Idyll 5 - Goatherd and Shepherd - for its comedy as well as poetry. It's how to diss people with poetry. There's even a bit on why the patch of ground I'm standing on is better than the patch of ground you're standing on. It also includes a brief back and forth which includes a joke about penis size.

There are a couple of love poems from older men about younger boys, which is an Ancient Greek thing, but to the modern ear they're a strange read.

There poetry is cut through with the required need to praise ones rulers for patronage, but considering what I'm reading and hearing after the death of Queen Elizabeth II that hasn't gone away. I feel sorry for Simon Armitage who must be beavering away as Poet Laureate for suitable words to mark her passing.

Worth reading for its influence as the source - if not the originator - of bucolic poetry and an influence on Virgil and Milton to name but two.



*A quick personal rant. I hate endnotes with poetry. The distraction of flicking back and forth between them really breaks up the reading experience. I'm prepared to accept that this might just be me.

En portion grekisk allmänbildning...

I read the translation by Daryl Hine, though I cannot speak to the accuracy of the translation from the ancient Greek. Hine is somewhat chippy about other translators however.
This work is much more bawdy and erotic than I expected. Very homoerotic 'pastoral' poems that make me look at Richard Rodriguez's use "the pastoral" in a different light. I'm also reminded of Ginsburg on occasion and even hip hop, because often there is a contest of sorts between two shepherd/poets. The language is not ornamental, but rather plain like the work of Hesiod. I don't see much of the bucolic trope of later pastoral poets like Virgil or Milton. Nevertheless there is a strong undercurrent of desire in these poems.

Pastoral. Celebrates ordinary lives and loves. Gently rebuts the idealization of male rage in heroic epic.

Ths is the Geek precursor to Vigil's Eclogues.
But these are not just pastoral poems there is a lot more variety to this book.
Howevr like in Vigil many of the peoms deal with unrequited love and have a poetry / singing competition within them.

One of my favourite ancient texts (particularly Idylls 2, 15, & 18). Theocritus writes beautifully about mythology, artistic and physical excellence, reverence for Ptolemy I and II, Syracuse, and the pains of love. The translator has made this text very accessible and melodic, a true act of skill!

I highly recommend this to all - it is short, precise, worded clearly, and is quite enjoyable.

A great selection of poems.

I particularly enjoyed Idyll's: 5, 11, 13, 14, 16, 24, 28 and 29.

I enjoyed these idylls more than I thought I would. They were surprisingly funny and relatable, though written in the 3rd century BC. I will certainly come back to read these again someday.

Charming and pastoral; the 23 Idylls are all over the place in terms of topic and voice.
Really enjoyed the two on Polyphemus (the Cyclops).

First half 3rd BCE

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

wholesome