Bion of Smyrna: The Fragments and the Adonis

J. D. Reed examines the work of Bion of Smyrna, the late Hellenistic writer of bucolic poetry.

Bion (Author), J. D. Reed (Edited by)

9780521573160, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 March 1997

280 pages, 1 b/w illus.
22.4 x 14.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.465 kg

"...a valuable work for those interested in Bion Bucolicus, his poetry, and the myth and ritual surroundings Adonis. Especially for students of ancient Greek literature, poetry, and religion." Religious Studies Review

The work of Bion of Smyrna, the late Hellenistic writer of bucolic poetry, survives in seventeen fragments and the longer Epitaph on Adonis. In this edition, J. D. Reed presents a Greek text of the poems together with a facing translation. The substantial introduction covers Bion's place in the bucolic tradition, his reinterpretation of ritual and myth in the Adonis poem (with attention to its social context), and various aspects of his style. It also includes a detailed examination of the textual transmission. The commentary investigates fully details arising from the texts, with an emphasis on linguistic and literary-historical issues. This is a comprehensive treatment of Bion, his poetry and his place in the literary tradition.

Preface
Introduction
1. Bion's life
2. Bion bucolicus
3. Bion adoniazon
4. Poems possibly by Bion
5. Dialect
6. Metre and prosody
7. Some aspects of style
8. Bion's influence
9. The textual transmission
10. About the texts and commentaries
Bibliographies
Texts and Translations
Commentary
Appendices
Indexes.

Subject Areas: Educational: Languages other than English [YQF], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]