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The poetry of the archaic period that the Greeks called iambic is characterized by scornful criticism of friend and foe and by sexual license. The purpose of these poems is unclear, but they seem to have some connection with cult songs used in religious festivals--for example, those honoring Dionysus and Demeter. In this completely new Loeb Classical Library edition of early Greek iambic poetry, Douglas Gerber provides a faithful and fully annotated translation of the fragments that have come down to us.

Archilochus expressed himself in colorful and vigorous language. Famous throughout antiquity for his winged barbs, he is often considered the archetypal poet of blame. Other major poets in this volume are Semonides, best known for a long misogynistic poem describing ten types of wives; and Hipponax, who was much admired by the poets of Hellenistic Alexandria, in part for his depictions of the licentious and seamy side of society.

Archilochus was a Greek poet living in the 7th Century BC. He originated from the island of Paros but spent considerable time working on and fighting for Thasos, the Thracian colony of Paros. Archilochus' relationship with Thasos and the idea of Greek colonization is explored in his poetry. He is unique in being the first Greek author to compose almost entirely based on his own emotions and experiences. Previous poets, namely Homer and Hesiod, used Greek myth and legend as the basis of their poetry. Archilochus takes his listener to a different place with different concerns. Throughout his poetry, Archilochus explores what it means to be a person trying to make terms with the world and events surrounding him.

Archilochus held a special place in the canon of Greek authors. Alexandrian scholars included him in their canonic list of iambic poets, along with Semonides and Hipponax, yet ancient commentators also numbered him with Tyrtaeus and Callinus as the possible inventor of the elegy. However modern critics often characterize him simply as a lyric poet. Although his work now only survives in fragments, he was revered by the ancient Greeks as one of their most brilliant authors, able to be mentioned in the same breath as Homer and Hesiod, yet he was also censured by them as the archetypal poet of blame-his invectives were even said to have driven his former fiancee and her father to suicide. Archilochus was controversial and seen as reprehensible because of his viewpoints. Nevertheless, Archilochus was respected and revered by many Greeks.

Appendicis Loco Subjiciuntus Pratinae. Accedit Georgii Burgesii Epistola Critica.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Appendicis Loco Subjiciuntus Pratinae. Accedit Georgii Burgesii Epistola Critica.