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Together the poetry of Hesiod and Theognis offers a superb introduction to the life and thought of ancient Greece. Hesiod's Theogoney (c. 725 BCE) is a powerful creation myth: an epic, bloody tale of dark forces, sex and violence, tracing the history of the world from primeval Chaos to the establishment of Zeus as supreme king of the gods. In contrast, Hesiod's Works and Days, written to advise his indolent brother Perseus, is an intriguing, sophisticated combination of ethical maxims, social and political comment and superstitious law. Elegiac rather than epic, the works of Theognis - written some two centuries after Hesiod - include theological speculations, love lyrics and moral advice for his protégé Kurnos, reflecting the moods and themes of an aristocratic poet who mourned a changing Greek society.
From the Author
I wrote this a while back, and I hope you enjoy it.
Well, after some conjurer brought me back from the dead to ask my why I wrote the Theogony, I ask Zeus to thunderbolt him and send him to Tartarus. Since I am here, now, I will say that my poetry is for enjoyment, pure and simple. I am, incidentally, a better author than Homer, and a much nicer guy. But going back to my comment, Zeus was never all that cruel towards his parents. As a matter of fact, he intends to let his dad Cronos out of Tartarus in a few centuries. Prometheus is another story, however. Anyhow, I made the poem gut-wrenching so you all would like it. I am overjoyed at the honor shown to me by all the printings of my work. Thanks --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Well, after some conjurer brought me back from the dead to ask my why I wrote the Theogony, I ask Zeus to thunderbolt him and send him to Tartarus. Since I am here, now, I will say that my poetry is for enjoyment, pure and simple. I am, incidentally, a better author than Homer, and a much nicer guy. But going back to my comment, Zeus was never all that cruel towards his parents. As a matter of fact, he intends to let his dad Cronos out of Tartarus in a few centuries. Prometheus is another story, however. Anyhow, I made the poem gut-wrenching so you all would like it. I am overjoyed at the honor shown to me by all the printings of my work. Thanks --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
Very little is known about HESIOD and it cannot definitely be prove that the same man wrote both the Theogony and Works and Days. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Very little is known about HESIOD and it cannot definitely be prove that the same man wrote both the Theogony and Works and Days. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
You'll need a sheet of paper the size of a football pitch to map out Hesiod's family tree of the gods! This edition, however, boats a lively translation supported by a brief and concise introduction and useful explanatory notes. In contrast to Homer, Hesiod's voice and play on the role of the poet is clearly demarcated, particularly in his appeal to his brother Perses in Works and Days. Hesiod appears to be attacking Perses' idleness and lack of ambition. But could Hesiod's attack also be aimed at other sections of his society, those people who seek a life of indolence, dependent on hand outs, with little motivation for social responsibility? Hesiod's obvious attention to a strong work ethic, deeply embedded in the agrarian cycle, espouses a moral responsibility for the individual and his neighbours. Perses does not seem to share his brother's values and principles and is duly criticised. In an interesting passage Hesiod details the need for Perses to conform to social conventions, such as not cutting your finger nails during a feast to the gods, sitting on the graves of children or using a `woman's washing water' to cleanse your body. As in all times (take a look at a tabloid newspaper) gossip is seen as destructive but hard to avoid. For Hesiod `Rumour [a divinity] is a dangerous thing, light and easy to pick up, but hard to support and difficult to get rid of.'
As with many civilisations Hesiod conveys a patriarchal view of divine order and social responsibility. For me there is a widely sexist element to this structure and, alongside, for example, the Bible's Eve, women are seen as harbingers of trouble and strife. For instance in Works and Days Hesiod warns against the `arse-rigged woman [who will] deceive your wits with her wily twitterings when she pokes into your granary; he who believes a woman, believes cheaters.' Similarly the consequences of Prometheus' theft of fire from Zeus is the creation of a woman in the form of Pandora, whose jar (not box) is `unstopped' and all man's ills are released for all eternity, the only exception being Hope which remained `under the lip of the jar.' Hesiod's genealogy and moral framework offers an informative insight into the world of ancient Greece.
As with many civilisations Hesiod conveys a patriarchal view of divine order and social responsibility. For me there is a widely sexist element to this structure and, alongside, for example, the Bible's Eve, women are seen as harbingers of trouble and strife. For instance in Works and Days Hesiod warns against the `arse-rigged woman [who will] deceive your wits with her wily twitterings when she pokes into your granary; he who believes a woman, believes cheaters.' Similarly the consequences of Prometheus' theft of fire from Zeus is the creation of a woman in the form of Pandora, whose jar (not box) is `unstopped' and all man's ills are released for all eternity, the only exception being Hope which remained `under the lip of the jar.' Hesiod's genealogy and moral framework offers an informative insight into the world of ancient Greece.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This translation by Dorothea Wender is well set out and easy to read.
Taking the works in order, Wender presents Theogony, Works and Days and the elegiac poetry of Theognis in a clear and concise manner bringing both life and a sense of excitment to the text.
Theognis' elegies are, as Wender herself proclaims, more freely translated. This should not be seen as a distraction; the same vigour evident in Hesiods works is retained in the poetry but the reading is easier because the language is contemporary.
Collected together, the work of Hesiod and Theognis can be viewed as having a common thread; the inconsistency of men and society and the need to trust in the gods. Whilst Hesiods 'Works and Days' gives common sense advice for the farmer, sailor and society, Theognis provides us with maxims and psychological attributes by which to organise our lives. Despite being written perhaps 200 years apart, Theognis' elegies reflect Hesiods words: Hesiod says "Shun evil profit, for dishonest gain is just the same as failure". Theognis echoes this thought with "Possesions come from Zues ... but if a greedy man ... acquires them ... he ends in sorrow."
In summary this book is enjoyable for many reasons; the translation is clear and a joy to read, the morals and observations still have a resonance today and the works are an excellent place for those interested in ancient Greek literature and intellectual thought to start or extend their investigation. Dorothea Wender is here congratulated for her presentation and style in bringing the works to life. An excellent read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Hesiod's Thegony is an archaic Greek epic from around the time of Homer, and gives us the creation and life stories of the Olympian gods, so is an interesting read alongside the Homeric Hymns. Full of sex and violence, these are the foundational stories of Greek myth and resonate throughout classical culture.
Like the other Penguins, this is a fairly loose translation of the original Greek which makes it very readable but no good as a crib.
Like the other Penguins, this is a fairly loose translation of the original Greek which makes it very readable but no good as a crib.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Hesiod & Theognis (Classics)
Relatively easy to read-not too heavy for the most part. Lots of wnderful insights into everyday life in Ancient Greece.
Published 20 months ago by Ed Lloyd Jenkins
Attractions of Hesiod and Theognis
Hesiod sets out well the character of Greek gods and the issues around Greek farming and Theognis lets us have well expressed reflections on life.
Published 22 months ago by John A. Robertson
Straight talking - as needed today
One of the things we can be sure of: Hesiod didn't 'write' this work. There was no European writing in his day (700 BCE or so, we think). Read more
Published on 6 Sep 2009 by M.I.
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