A Loeb Classical Library Reader

2006 | Essays

This selection of lapidary nuggets drawn from 33 of antiquity's major authors includes poetry, dialogue, philosophical writing, history, descriptive reporting, satire and fiction - giving a glimpse at the wide range of arts and sciences, thought and styles, of Greco-Roman culture. The selections span 12 centuries, from Homer to Saint Jerome. The texts and translations are reproduced as they appear in "Loeb" volumes. "The Loeb Classical Library" is the only existing series of books which, through original text and facing English translation, gives access to all that is important in Greek and Latin literature. "The Loeb Classical Library Reader" offers a unique sampling of this treasure trove.

In these pages you will find, for example: Odysseus tricking the Cyclops in order to escape from the giant's cave; Zeus creating the first woman, Pandora, cause of mortals' hardships ever after; the Athenian general Nicias dissuading his countrymen from invading Sicily; Socrates, condemned to die, saying farewell; a description of Herod's fortified palace at Masada; Cicero's thoughts on what we owe our fellow men; Livy's description of the rape of the Sabine women; Manilius on the signs of the zodiac; and Pliny's observation of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 ad. Here you can enjoy looking in on people, real and imaginary, who figure prominently in ancient history, and on notable events. Here, too, you can relish classical poetry and comedy, and get a taste of the ideas characteristic of the splendid culture to which we are heir.

Loeb Classical Library (Author)