The translator for Penguin gives off an odd vibe with her notes and introduction and overall presentation; and seems to generally make unfounded or weak claims about the validity and meaning of certain lines or facts, BUT I still enjoyed reading it despite the lack of interesting critical scholarship. I went with Penguin's version over Oxford because they included Theognis' Elegies as well, which is the bulk of this book. What little of the Oxford translation I could read seemed congested and unrhythmic, whereas Penguin's translation remains poetic without abandoning the source text. It also seems odd that they would leave out the Shield of Herakles considering this volume is quite brief, though dense.
The Theogony is a really fascinating creation story that details many of the bizarre creatures and gods of Greek myth and a loose chronology and family tree. It may come off as too much information for a casual reader, as it rattles off lots of dense information and names, but it's perhaps the oldest Greek source of myth that we have, so it's hard not to be interested; especially when you consider that it is almost certainly a more recent representation of older texts which are no longer extant.
Works and Days is a more practical, down to earth sort of work, dealing with social, farming, and religious advice.
Theognis' Elegies are a very curious mixture of ethical and social maxims, and numerous love poems from elder to protege. At times these Elegies read a bit like a Greek Confucious and share some similarities with the Analects, although the Elegies seem to be a much more infomral collection of poems and Theognis' is far more prone to go against his own wisdom when it comes to his lover and the state of his city.
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Great book
This book includes Hesiod Theogony and Works and days, as well as Theognis Elegies. Classic Greek literature that is a must for anyone who is either interested in Greek religion or mythology. Well put together notes and glossary. Highly recommend. 👍 👌
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
This book includes Hesiod Theogony and Works and days, as well as Theognis Elegies. Classic Greek literature that is a must for anyone who is either interested in Greek religion or mythology. Well put together notes and glossary. Highly recommend. 👍 👌
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
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- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2025
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