Lykophron: Alexandra: Greek Text, Translation, Commentary, and Introduction

The Alexandra attributed to Lykophron is a minor poetic masterpiece. At 1474 lines, it is one of the most important and notoriously difficult Greek poems dating from the Hellenistic period (most likely the early second century BC). Most of the poem purports to be a prophecy by the mythical Trojan princess, Kassandra, the most beautiful of the daughters of King Priam, and her prophecy ranges from the Trojan War to the historical Roman conquest of Greece, which took place in the poet's own time. The poem's importance arises from the light which it sheds on Greek religion (in particular the role of women), on foundation myths and myths of colonial identity, and on local - especially Italian - cults and cult places. The difficulty of the poem stems from its unusual vocabulary - many words of ancient Greek are found only in this poem - and the riddling and meandering way in which most of the many mythological characters are referenced. As well as providing the Greek text in full and its English translation, this volume provides the first ever full-length commentary in English on the poem.

Table of Contents:
Preface List of Figures List of Maps List of Abbreviations Introduction Synopsis of the Alexandra Sigla Text and Translation of the Alexandra, with Commentary Appendix: the Anapaestic Kassandra Poem, P. Berol. 9775 Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Simon Hornblower is a Former Senior Research Fellow in Classical Studies at All Souls College, Oxford.

Review :
The volume not only fills an important gap in the scholarship in supplying a modern full-length commentary on the Alexandra, but begins to address the imbalance both in the briefer commentaries and in the more literary scholarship on Lycophron. Additionally, the introduction and the commentary make important contributions to the discourses on the date of the poem, its relations to Greek religion as evidenced in the literary and epigraphical records, and the relationship of the poem to the mythology surrounding Greek colonialism ... This commentary promises to open up the Alexandra to new audiences, particularly in Greek history and religion, and to be a cornerstone of the scholarship on Lycophron going forward. detailed and impressive scholarship The book is worth every penny ... one can foresee its being discussed at many a graduate seminar, though it is likely to be found only on the shelves of university libraries; and the reviewer is deeply conscious that this all-too-brief notice can do little more than draw attention to what is an outstanding feat of scholarship. This commentary will be foundational for all future studies on Lycophron and will also prove useful for readers of all Hellenistic and Greek literature. Each page of the commentary is filled with excellent, clear and lucid insights on central issues, addressing traditional scholarly questions about the poem as well as engaging with current critical trends and interests ... [it] will go a long way towards stimulating even more interest in an important and brilliant poem. By using his immense learning as a guide, Hornblower helps us find our way through 'Lycophron's' obscure labyrinth and eventually penetrate into the dark world of the mysterious Alexandra. Hornblower's commentary marks a new era in the study of the Alexandra. It will be the standard resource for understanding the poem for many years and will open up a 'minor poetic masterpiece' to readers who have avoided it as onerous or unrewarding. Simon Hornblower has engaged intensively with Lykophron's Alexandra,...publishing a Greek text, with an introduction, translation, and commentary.