Literary Collections

The ancient Greek hymnic tradition translated beautifully and accessibly. 

The hymn—as poetry, as craft, as a tool for worship and philosophy—was a vital art form throughout antiquity. Although the Homeric Hymns have long been popular, other equally important collections have not been readily accessible to students eager to learn about ancient poetry. In reading hymns, we also gain valuable insight into life in the classical world. In this collection, early Homeric Hymns of uncertain authorship appear along with the carefully wrought hymns of the great Hellenistic poet and courtier Callimachus; the mystical writings attributed to the legendary poet Orpheus, written as Christianity was taking over the ancient world; and finally, the hymns of Proclus, the last great pagan philosopher of antiquity, from the fifth century AD, whose intellectual influence throughout western culture has been profound.

Greek Poems to the Gods distills over a thousand years of the ancient Greek hymnic tradition into a single volume. Acclaimed translator Barry B. Powell brings these fabulous texts to life in English, hewing closely to the poetic beauty of the original Greek. His superb introductions and notes give readers essential context, making the hymns as accessible to a beginner approaching them for the first time as to an advanced student continuing to explore their secrets. Brilliant illustrations from ancient art enliven and enrichen the experience of reading these poems.


 

Sather Classical Lectures, Volume Four: Epochs of Greek and Roman Biography provides an episodic yet insightful exploration of the development of biography as a literary genre in ancient Greece and Rome. Rooted in the principle articulated by Polybius, the work emphasizes the interconnectedness of history and the evolution of human ideas, particularly in the context of biographical writing. The author selects topics that address key problems and stages in the growth of biographical purpose, drawing connections between ancient and modern biographers, from Plutarch's enduring influence on psychoanalytic biographers to the continued relevance of classical ideals in contemporary biographical theory. While not attempting a complete history, the book offers a rich analysis of how biographical works reflect broader cultural and intellectual movements, and how the goals and methods of ancient biographers resonate with modern practices.

This volume also stands out for its thorough academic approach, bolstered by an extensive array of footnotes and references designed not just for scholars, but for readers with a broad interest in biography. The book is the result of specialized study, offering a detailed bibliography that aims to engage those with a genuine enthusiasm for the genre. The author balances academic rigor with the intention to make ancient biography accessible and engaging, demonstrating the timeless relevance of ancient practices and offering a critical examination of their enduring influence. This makes the volume both a valuable resource for experts and an engaging read for those curious about the evolution of biographical writing.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1928.

Sather Classical Lectures, Volume Four: Epochs of Greek and Roman Biography provides an episodic yet insightful exploration of the development of biography as a literary genre in ancient Greece and Rome. Rooted in the principle articulated by Polybius, the work emphasizes the interconnectedness of history and the evolution of human ideas, particularly in the context of biographical writing. The author selects topics that address key problems and stages in the growth of biographical purpose, drawing connections between ancient and modern biographers, from Plutarch's enduring influence on psychoanalytic biographers to the continued relevance of classical ideals in contemporary biographical theory. While not attempting a complete history, the book offers a rich analysis of how biographical works reflect broader cultural and intellectual movements, and how the goals and methods of ancient biographers resonate with modern practices.

This volume also stands out for its thorough academic approach, bolstered by an extensive array of footnotes and references designed not just for scholars, but for readers with a broad interest in biography. The book is the result of specialized study, offering a detailed bibliography that aims to engage those with a genuine enthusiasm for the genre. The author balances academic rigor with the intention to make ancient biography accessible and engaging, demonstrating the timeless relevance of ancient practices and offering a critical examination of their enduring influence. This makes the volume both a valuable resource for experts and an engaging read for those curious about the evolution of biographical writing.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1928.

This volume, part of the esteemed Sather Classical Lectures series, explores the enduring legacy of Catullus and his intricate relationship with the traditions of Graeco-Roman poetry. Delivered at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1928, these lectures aim to illuminate Catullus’ poetic genius by tracing his debts to the literary past. With a philologist's precision, the book delves into how the poet's originality intertwined with his influences, offering a comprehensive analysis of his connections to earlier works, particularly through newly examined materials like the fragments of Callimachus' Coma Berenices. Through a blend of accessible discussion and detailed scholarship, the volume bridges popular and academic approaches, making it an engaging resource for both specialists and enthusiasts of classical literature.

The author combines rigorous research with an engaging narrative style to examine Catullus’ artistry and historical significance. This exploration highlights his importance in shaping both ancient and modern poetic traditions, while the appended notes provide bibliographic references for further inquiry. Designed to both entertain and educate, this hybrid work captures the essence of Catullus' literary world and offers readers a rich understanding of his creative methods and their broader cultural impact. Perfect for those with an appreciation of classical poetry, the book serves as a vital contribution to the study of one of Rome's most celebrated poets.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1934.

This volume, part of the esteemed Sather Classical Lectures series, explores the enduring legacy of Catullus and his intricate relationship with the traditions of Graeco-Roman poetry. Delivered at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1928, these lectures aim to illuminate Catullus’ poetic genius by tracing his debts to the literary past. With a philologist's precision, the book delves into how the poet's originality intertwined with his influences, offering a comprehensive analysis of his connections to earlier works, particularly through newly examined materials like the fragments of Callimachus' Coma Berenices. Through a blend of accessible discussion and detailed scholarship, the volume bridges popular and academic approaches, making it an engaging resource for both specialists and enthusiasts of classical literature.

The author combines rigorous research with an engaging narrative style to examine Catullus’ artistry and historical significance. This exploration highlights his importance in shaping both ancient and modern poetic traditions, while the appended notes provide bibliographic references for further inquiry. Designed to both entertain and educate, this hybrid work captures the essence of Catullus' literary world and offers readers a rich understanding of his creative methods and their broader cultural impact. Perfect for those with an appreciation of classical poetry, the book serves as a vital contribution to the study of one of Rome's most celebrated poets.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1934.