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Sappho and Alcaeus: An Introduction to the Study of Ancient Lesbian Poetry
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
350 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1955
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 18, 2019
I read much of this book at the beach. My in-laws were quite curious to see that I had chosen a book about "Lesbian Poetry." "It means from the island of Lesbos," I had to keep saying.
Like Denys Page's monograph on Alcman's "Partheneion," this book was very helpful in understanding Greek poetry in an unfamiliar dialect (Aeolic in this case). When I first read the surviving fragments of Sappho and Alcaeus in Lyrica Graeca Selecta, I found Sappho to be immediately accessible. Alcaeus, on the other hand, was almost impenetrable most of the time. Thanks to Page's commentary, I have a much better appreciation of both ancient poets.
The book is divided in half between the two poets in the title. In Sappho's section, each chapter begins with a single poem, presented in Greek followed by an English translation. Then Page gives textual notes on the Greek words, including alternate readings or difficulties in deciphering the papyrus originals, etc. Finally, he gives a commentary on the poem and its context. For Alcaeus, he organizes his discussion more thematically. First he goes into the political history of Lesbos, which Alcaeus often alludes to in his work. This was fascinating in its own right, but also made these poems suddenly make sense. Later chapters deal with Alcaeus's poems referring to mythology/deities, and his drinking songs.
Going into this book, my bias was heavily in favor of Sappho. I was surprised to see that Page did not rate her work that highly. Her poems treat on timeless topics of love and desire. Alcaeus's are often rooted in their own time. To get anything out of them, you have to read a book like this to understand the context. I'm certainly glad I did, for now I have a much better appreciation of Sappho, Alcaeus, the Aeolic dialect, and the history of Lesbos.
Like Denys Page's monograph on Alcman's "Partheneion," this book was very helpful in understanding Greek poetry in an unfamiliar dialect (Aeolic in this case). When I first read the surviving fragments of Sappho and Alcaeus in Lyrica Graeca Selecta, I found Sappho to be immediately accessible. Alcaeus, on the other hand, was almost impenetrable most of the time. Thanks to Page's commentary, I have a much better appreciation of both ancient poets.
The book is divided in half between the two poets in the title. In Sappho's section, each chapter begins with a single poem, presented in Greek followed by an English translation. Then Page gives textual notes on the Greek words, including alternate readings or difficulties in deciphering the papyrus originals, etc. Finally, he gives a commentary on the poem and its context. For Alcaeus, he organizes his discussion more thematically. First he goes into the political history of Lesbos, which Alcaeus often alludes to in his work. This was fascinating in its own right, but also made these poems suddenly make sense. Later chapters deal with Alcaeus's poems referring to mythology/deities, and his drinking songs.
Going into this book, my bias was heavily in favor of Sappho. I was surprised to see that Page did not rate her work that highly. Her poems treat on timeless topics of love and desire. Alcaeus's are often rooted in their own time. To get anything out of them, you have to read a book like this to understand the context. I'm certainly glad I did, for now I have a much better appreciation of Sappho, Alcaeus, the Aeolic dialect, and the history of Lesbos.
October 6, 2020
I did not finish this book because I was only interested in reading Sappho's poetry, and the author of the book was irritating by the time I got to the middle.
I liked being able to see the original Greek followed by the translation, and if I could read or understand ancient Greek then I think I would have greatly enjoyed the explanations that followed to justify the translation of each poem. I also loved Sappho's poetry.
Page's interpretations of Sappho's poetry was mostly interesting and sometimes baffling. This was my first time encountering the infamous "Sappho and her friend" commentary, where a male scholar interprets a lesbian relationship as "just two friends who are like, super close". It is honestly hilarious and frustrating, but makes sense considering that Page wrote this in the 1950s.
Sappho writes beautiful poetry that is absolutely accessible to understand and read. The commentary was helpful to contextualise aspects of the poetry that incorporate Greek mythology and her personal contacts (such as her brother).
I liked being able to see the original Greek followed by the translation, and if I could read or understand ancient Greek then I think I would have greatly enjoyed the explanations that followed to justify the translation of each poem. I also loved Sappho's poetry.
Page's interpretations of Sappho's poetry was mostly interesting and sometimes baffling. This was my first time encountering the infamous "Sappho and her friend" commentary, where a male scholar interprets a lesbian relationship as "just two friends who are like, super close". It is honestly hilarious and frustrating, but makes sense considering that Page wrote this in the 1950s.
Sappho writes beautiful poetry that is absolutely accessible to understand and read. The commentary was helpful to contextualise aspects of the poetry that incorporate Greek mythology and her personal contacts (such as her brother).
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews