This anthology of sixteen seminal studies of Homer's Iliad offers essential insights into the poem's artistry and cultural background. Two of the contributions have been translated for this volume and others have been revised and updated. An authoritative introduction sets the papers in context and explores significant connections between them. All Greek is translated and a glossary of Greek terms is provided.

This is the first study in English to examine across the range of Greek literature one of the most crucial terms in Greek ethical and social discourse, aidos. Commonly rendered `shame', `modesty', or `respect', aidos is also notoriously one of the most elusive and difficult Greek words to translate. In this book Dr Cairns discusses the nature and application of aidos and other relevant terms in a number of authors, with particular emphasis on their manifestations in epic, tragedy, and philosophy. He shows that the essence of the concept is to be found in its relationship with Greek values of honour, in which context it can recognize and respond to the honour of both the self and others. It thus involves both self- and other- regarding behaviour, competitive and co-operative values. Despite this crucial relationship with systems of honour, however, the possession of aidos at no stage rules out the sort of commitment to internalized standards or ideals which we might associate with conscience.

In 17 original essays, a distinguished international cast considers the text, interpretation and cultural context of Greek tragedy. There are detailed studies of single plays, of major themes in each of the three tragedians, of modern approaches to tragic text and interpretation, and of the genre's social, political and religious background. Some of tragedy's most distinguished interpreters here present their latest work, and pay tribute to the scholarly achievements of the volume's honor and, Professor A F Garvie.

This anthology of sixteen seminal studies of Homer's Iliad offers essential insights into the poem's artistry and cultural background. Two of the contributions have been translated for this volume and others have been revised and updated. An authoritative introduction sets the papers in context and explores significant connections between them. All Greek is translated and a glossary of Greek terms is provided.