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villanelleswife's review against another edition
5.0
Oh Sappho, what I would give for the rest of your poetry.
The introduction and notes, not to mention the complete dedication from the authors, were an insightful addition to this beautiful piece of work.
The introduction and notes, not to mention the complete dedication from the authors, were an insightful addition to this beautiful piece of work.
elianneyoung010's review
4.75
Amazing, the explanations really add depth. I recommend reading the book "after sappho" while reading these translations to give the poems even more meaning
maistfu's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
4.5
I loved this collection of sappho's works!! especially with the context the authors gave. I would've loved to see some of the actual old Greek in the book too though, it would've been really cool.
a_carot's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Rayor's translation of Sappho's complete works is a remarkable achievement, providing readers with a comprehensive collection of the ancient poet's surviving fragments, accompanied by insightful commentary. Rayor's dedication to assembling every fragment, whether a mere line or a single word, offers a deeply satisfying experience for those intrigued by Sappho's enigmatic voice.
One of the highlights of this translation is Rayor's ability to contextualise Sappho's poetry, shedding light on the historical and cultural background that shaped her work. From intriguing tidbits such as the friendship between Niobe and Leto before their falling out, to broader discussions on Sappho's significance in ancient Greece, Rayor's commentary adds depth and richness to the reading experience.
Moreover, Rayor's translations are not only faithful to the original Greek but also remarkably accessible, making Sappho's poetry approachable to readers of all backgrounds. The fluidity and clarity of her language allow Sappho's timeless themes of love, desire, and loss to resonate with contemporary audiences.
This is an essential addition to any library, offering a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the captivating world of one of antiquity's most celebrated poets.
One of the highlights of this translation is Rayor's ability to contextualise Sappho's poetry, shedding light on the historical and cultural background that shaped her work. From intriguing tidbits such as the friendship between Niobe and Leto before their falling out, to broader discussions on Sappho's significance in ancient Greece, Rayor's commentary adds depth and richness to the reading experience.
Moreover, Rayor's translations are not only faithful to the original Greek but also remarkably accessible, making Sappho's poetry approachable to readers of all backgrounds. The fluidity and clarity of her language allow Sappho's timeless themes of love, desire, and loss to resonate with contemporary audiences.
This is an essential addition to any library, offering a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the captivating world of one of antiquity's most celebrated poets.
threenerdsinatrenchcoat's review
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Beautiful translation with interesting explanations. The only reason I’m not giving it a 5 is that all the notes are at the end and that made it hard to go back and forth
athenian_frog's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
Concise info about each fragment, and the most up to date compilation of Sappho's poetry that I know of. Also provided good speculation on her relatives.
It's crazy how several poems she writes of longing and heartbreak still resonate. I have a few personal favorites marked! It's a quick and beautiful read that makes me wish we had more of her stuff.
It's crazy how several poems she writes of longing and heartbreak still resonate. I have a few personal favorites marked! It's a quick and beautiful read that makes me wish we had more of her stuff.