Longus, Daphnis and Chloe; Xenophon of Ephesus, Anthia and Habrocomes

by Longus, Xenophon of Ephesus, Jeffrey Henderson (Translator)

In Longus s ravishing "Daphnis and Chloe" (second or early third century CE), one of the great works of world literature, an innocent boy and girl gradually discover their sexuality in an idealized pastoral environment. In Xenophon of Ephesus s "Anthia and Habrocomes" (first century CE), perhaps the earliest extant novel and a new addition to the Loeb Classical Library, a newlywed couple, separated by mischance, survive hair-raising adventures and desperate escapes as they traverse the Mediterranean and the Near East en route to a joyful reunion. The pairing of these two novels well illustrates both the basic conventions of the genre and its creative range.

This new edition offers fresh translations and texts by Jeffrey Henderson, based on the recent critical editions of Longus by M. D. Reeve and Xenophon by J. N. O Sullivan.

Genres: Classics, Greece

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 150

About the author

Longus, sometimes Longos (Greek: Λόγγος), was a Greek novelist and romancer, and author of Daphnis and Chloe. Very little is known of his life, and it is assumed that he lived on the isle of Lesbos during the 2nd century AD.

Reviews

[Alexander Rolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first story, Daphnis and Chloe, is sweet and innocent, and reassuring for those inclined to worry about the relationship between the sexes in the ancient world. 5 stars.

In the second, Anthia and Habrocomes remain faithful to each other through long separation and extraordinary trials. The fact that they're more beautiful than anyone else gets them into all kinds of trouble, but also saves them from it. It's heavy on action and light on everything else, but still fun. 4 stars.

[Aodhán Shadlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphnis and Chloe:
Very very intriguing and interesting to read a Greek novel for the first time. A lot of pastoral splendour and some very very sweet quotes, and some very wonderful prose.
Lovely read !

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great translation, though the original novels themselves are formulaic of the genre.

[Declan Kennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭑★{ 3 }★⭑

My rating is for An Ephesian Tale (Anthia and Habrocomes) by Xenophon of Ephesus ONLY.

[Carley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, timeless, universal

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm ashamed to admit that I only recently discovered the story of Daphnis and Chloe. Still better late than never, for it's a real joy.

I'm reading the Loeb edition (I'm a Greek Geek), but if you're not into Greek, there are probably much better English translations - Loeb books have the Greek and English on facing pages, but the English tends to be very literal (to the point of sometimes verging on the unimaginative).

But whatever version you read, if this story of slowly developing love and sexuality doesn't give you a warm glow inside, there's probably something wrong with you!!!

[Nathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two proto-novels in the meet cute, voyage, pirate abduction, separation, enslavement, escape, brigandage, imprisonment, premature burial, forced marriage, failed crucifixtion, torture, revenge, inheritance, missed opportunities, mysterious recognition and return to happily ever after tradition.

Both read like a back-of-the-program synopsis to an Elizabethan play, which is probably how they were best used.

[S R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for class. It was pretty fun to read and had some pretty stuff in it.