Works and Days and Theogony (Hackett Classics)

There is something about Stanley Lombardo's translation of "Works and Days" that makes me - no expert in this field - think of Bob Dylan or even Gordon Lightfoot - singers from the 60s and 70s who "sang story" in words that had to be heard over and over again, and never mind the CD liner notes. "Works And Days" comes across as run-together songs of wisdom rooted in very specific, localized moments of place, time and actions. I began reading it silently - a very modern habit, after all - and after a page or two found myself reading aloud because Lombardo has given, or caught, a definite, distinctive and specific voice here. Yes, rustic and vulgar, but there are notes of pithy sharpness, and little riffs of humor, and always just enough "what IS he talking about??" to leave you with a sense of mysteries and insights beyond the surface practical knowledge of seasonal planting, tending, harvesting and harrowing "Theogony" comes in a differently distinctive voice, a really energetic narrative-poetic voice that can be both intimate and resonant at the same time. For those of us who have half or completely forgotten our Greek gods, goddesses, heroes and muses, here it all is, this is where they were all organized into generations and Ages of This and That... There is something close to soft affection in places (the Storm King's daughters, e.g. at line 50ff), while the recitative concerning the battle of the Titans - especially the fiery, thunderous descent of Zeus - needs Beethoven's Fifth crashing behind the scenes. A wonderful piece of work; I want the audio format for grandchild and god-children. Great stuff. Buy it.

Everything you've ever heard about Greek mythology starts with this guy. He might have even been before Homer, or they might have been contemporaries. More importantly, the root of all Western thought, philosophy is here too. When Hesiod wrote about the Greek pantheon the Old Testament was just appearing in its final form. The introduction and commentary are great as well. You will surprised by how many of our wise sayings came from these books. Why read hand - me - down ideas on Philosophy when the originals are still with us and so interesting and easy to read. Way more sex and violence than anything in the movies. Also goes a long way in explaining how the younger generation always has to move the last generation away if they ever hope to run things. Also makes me really glad to be a Christian. People today talk about how the God of the Bible was so cruel...the Titans and Olympians have all that and the worst qualities of people as well.

It translates Hesiod. The oldest Greek poet. It is unclear who lived longer ago, he or Homer. I have to say that the poetry is well translated. It is understandable to an English speaking person. Of course, the job of translating is a matter of six of one and half a dozen of the other. However, I think the translator made good choices. For the purposes of my research, I had no problem finding the context of well-known passages, like Hesiod's Ages of Man, or seeing the Hittite tale of Kumarbi in Hesiod's dissertation on the early gods. Thus, if you intend to research the early Greek religion or early Greek ways, I would buy this book.

This is a lovely and very readable translation. I haven't read Hesiod in many years, but Dr. Lombardo's translation truly brings the poetry to life. His verse is lively and flowing and captures the humor and poignancy of those ancient tales. I would recommend this to anyone thinking about reading Homer for the first time, as these stories from Hesiod, especially from Dr. Lombardo's skillful hand, will enliven your Homeric adventure. Robert Lamberton's able introduction able introduction guides and prepares the reader for the rich feast that follows. This is a short, light and pleasant read. Don't miss it.

Good little book. Arrived on time and in good condition.

When reading Hesiod it is real cool to see how religion has borrowed from each other for thousands of years. From creation to flood narratives we get a new perspective in the old Greek.

Honestly a little confusing and hard to follow unless you have a goos foundation in greek mythology. Not a beginner text.

Great read, got it for a class

It has a thin and soft cover, which is okay, but it also has extremely thin pages, so thin that average highlighters mark the pages under the one you’re reading. But, besides that, it is an amazing book! I love the way the stories were told, the writer and translator did an amazing job! Very useful and informative.

I read this as part of a "Classical project", prior to visiting the ancient sites in Greece. It's the third work on my 'list', after Homer's two epics. As a non-classical scholar "newbie", I found it very readable and (almost) entertaining. Recommended.