did i read this? I guess i did in school. I remember a few. I liked the witch voodooing her unrequited lover

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.

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.

Read I, VI, VII, and XI for Roman Roads.

Still, Arab and Persian poetry kicks more ass

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).

I'm at work, but I finished this on the train in, and it's got me hyped for my Hellenistic lit module, so... Yes.

To read the Idylls of Theocritus on a blue-skied cumulus-cloudy mid-summer day is to enjoy a brief sojourn inside a default Windows lock screen. Minor bliss.

Interesting mix of pastoral slices of life, retelling of myths and tributes told with a light touch and an amusing style.

Read in the older penguin classic translated by Robert Wells

Excellent book!!!!

4.5 stars