The Oxford Classical Dictionary

Book Description

'offers not only that breakfast for the mind we keep hearing about, but lunch, tea, dinner, supper and non-stop snacks' Peter Green, Washington Times (reviewing the third edition). For almost half a century The Oxford Classical Dictionary has been regarded as the unrivalled one-volume reference work on all aspects of the Graeco-Roman world. As an authoritative reference to all there is to know about the ancients, the third edition of the Dictionary, published in 1996, has firmly maintained that position, taking into account the huge expansion in the scholarship and scope of classical studies. The value of the Dictionary in terms of factual detail is immense. It provides both scholars and non-specialists with a comprehensive source of reference which aims to answer all their questions about the classical world. In over 6,200 entries written by the very best of classical scholars from all over the world the Dictionary provides coverage of Greek and Roman history, literature, myth, religion, linguistics, philosophy, law, science, art and archaeology, and topics in near eastern studies, and late antiquity. The approach is interdisciplinary: all areas, regions, and cultures are represented beyond the core areas of Greece and Rome. As well as providing factual information the Dictionary contains many thematic entries, on subjects relevant to the 21st century such as nationalism, race, and ecology. The text is written in an accessible style and all Latin and Greek words have been translated. For this revised edition, the two editors Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth have made numerous small corrections and updates throughout, to make an outstanding work even better. The Dictionary covers: politics, government, economy - from political figures to political systems, terms and practices, histories of major states and empires, economic theory, agriculture, artisans and industry, trade and markets religion and mythology - deities and mythological creatures, beliefs and rituals, sanctuaries and sacred buildings, astrology and magic law and philosophy - from biographies of lawgivers and lawyers to legal terms and procedures, from major and minor philosophers to philosophical schools, terms, and concepts science and geography - scientists and scientific theory and practice, doctors and medicine, climate and landscape, natural disasters, regions and islands, cities and settlements, communications languages, literature, art, and architecture - languages and dialects, writers and literary terms and genres, orators and rhetorical theory and practice, drama and performance, art, painters and sculptors, architects, buildings and materials archaeology and historical writing - amphorae and pottery, shipwrecks and cemeteries, historians, and Greek and Roman historiography military history - generals, arms and armour, famous battles, attitudes to warfare social history, sex, and gender - women and the family, kinship, peasants and slaves, attitudes to sexuality

Customer Reviews:

Essential reference work.......2007-09-09

The Oxford Classical Dictionary is a must for those interested in Ancient history. It is well researched, thorough and easy to use. Its coverage is broad and deep and it is well referenced.

Best available.......2007-05-09

Very good dictionary for someone interested in Greek and Roman antiquity.
I especially like the sections on Greek and Latin pronunciation.

All things considered, a superb reference work.......2007-01-27

This edition (the third edition, 1996) has over 6200 entries on 1640 pages! And no, I haven't read them all... This is really wonderful for those times when you come across a new term (whether a person, place or thing) and need some idea as to who (what or where) is being discussed, indicated or alluded to. This Edition, published in 1996, was put together between 1991-1994 and contains matters (such as the Near East) that were barely touched on in earlier editions. But never fear! - The centrality of Greece and Rome has been quite correctly retained. There is, however, a much broader (and self-consciouss) inter-disciplinary focus to this edition. Older readers will likely be annoyed by long bows to feminism, Marxism and postmodernism in some of the essays. Occasionally, the tone and 'politically correct' point of view of some entries can be a bit over the top. If you are either old-fashioned or easily annoyed (and you know who you are) it might be wise NOT to toss out the second edition... But even they might find some of the new 'thematic' entries - on disease, ecology, economy, imperialism, literacy, motherhood, and technology, e.g. - more than occasionally useful. There is even good news for the under-educated - most Greek and Latin terms are translated! But I would prefer that the Greek or Latin and its translation both appear; this compromise would likely satisfy both novices and experts. Unfortunately, the cost of including the original term and the translation would likely cause the publisher to balk. Now, Roman names will probably continue to annoy everyone. If, for example, one looks up Caesar one finds 'See Iulius Caesar'. Now, as I hope we all know, the Romans had three names (using Caesar as an example): Gaius (praenomen), Iulius (nomen), Caesar (cogomen). Pretty much no one, besides Emperors and writers, is listed under the cogomen in this edition - they are almost all listed by nomen. (No, Caesar is not the exception, he was never officially Emperor.) The change of 'Julius' into 'Iulius' is also annoying - especially after being assured (Preface, viii) that "the more familiar form [...] should be preferred." But with a work of this scope and length there will always be a multitude of quibbles and annoyances. One of mine is that I wish the tiny bibliographies that follow some entries were less brief. But all things considered this is a first-rate OCD that will inevitably, after a generation and a half has passed, need to be revised. But such is the fate of all academic reference works. - They are all such slaves to fashion! That said, the general editors, Hornblower and Spawforth, and the area advisers have much to be proud of; 4.5 stars, 5 if the 'politically correct' gestures are toned down and the bibliographical data following some of the separate entries increased.

Oxford Classical Dictionary - Review.......2007-01-12

After returning the faulty bound copy, the second one we received appears ok. Thanks DWB

very good book.......2006-11-06

This is a very comphrehensive book about the classic knowledge, better than Oxford Companion to the Classic Literature.

Average customer rating:

Not Appropriate For a Beginning Learner
BEWARE!!!
As Advertised
Excellent resource
Very good, but it only goes one way.

The Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 019864339X

Book Description

Now available in paperback, this major new Hindi-English dictionary (the first published for over a century) has been produced to meet the need of a growing number of people now learning and studying Hindi. Reflecting the many-sided development of Hindi during the 20th century, it provides over 36,000 headwords, with generous use of illustrative material showing words in use. Both colloquial and literary vocabulary is covered, together with some modern regional variants. The `Urdu' vocabulary of Hindi is well represented, as well as modern Hindi and English.

Customer Reviews:

Not Appropriate For a Beginning Learner.......2007-09-18

I wish I would have known there was no English to Hindi section in this dictionary before buying it.

I am still baffled as to why it was the only dictionary required for a Hindi 101 class.

BEWARE!!!.......2007-09-08

If you are an English speaker attempting to learn Hindi but do not know Hindi script, do not buy THIS dictionary! All of the words are "alphabetized" by Hindi script, making it nearly impossible to look up a word you may only know the romanization of. for example, I have not learned any sript yet, but I wanted to look up the word "shanti." I still can't find where it is.

I know i ordered the wrong book.

As Advertised.......2007-03-24

The Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary is everything I hoped it would be. The Devanagari script is easily readable, the word selection is reasonably comprehensive, and the explanations are good.

I only wish there was a good English-Hindi Dictionary that I could pair with this volume. I looked around quite a bit before getting this dictionary, and I'm still looking for the right English-Hindi edition. Right now I'm using Teach Yourself Hindi Dictionary for English-to-Hindi, but it only has a few select words.

Excellent resource.......2006-05-31

I agree with many other reviewers in that this is best suited to intermediate/advanced or serious students of Hindi. Casual users or beginners may find it quite frustrating as all the entries are in Hindi.

I bought it BECAUSE the entries are in Hindi and it forces me to learn Hindi at a much faster pace. It is an excellent resource and I am thoroughly pleased with this purchase!

Very good, but it only goes one way........2006-04-05

This dictionary is very complete however it only goes one way. It is superb for finding the meaning of Hindi words. However, as it only goes one way, this dictionary cannot be used to find the Hindi equivalents of English words. I would recommend the Oxford English-Hindi Dictionary by S. K. Verma for that.

The words are listed in Devanagari, although roman transliteration is placed alongside. This makes this dictionary inappropriate for people who just want to learn some rough phrases. For any English speaker seriously learning Hindi (that is becoming literate in Hindi) this dictionary is a must.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Introductory Greek Grammar
excellent book
Greek language delights
Great for beginners
A good quick reference

Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek
James Morwood
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0195218515

Book Description

The Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek gives clear, concise, and easily understood explanations of all the key points of Classical Greek grammar. With additional features such as a glossary of grammatical terms, a vocabulary list covering all the Greek words found in the main text, study tips, and practice exercises to help develop knowledge and gain confidence, this invaluable resource ensures that students have all the support they need to complement their language learning. The Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek also offers hundreds of example sentences illustrating grammatical points, an explanation of literary terms, and a guide to how Classical Greek was pronounced. The first book of grammar dedicated to Classical Greek for students in almost a century, this handy reference will replace existing Greek grammars and help students bring this ancient language to life.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introductory Greek Grammar.......2007-09-02

This really is an excellent book for those learning ancient greek. Every English (or American)-speaking student, in the twenty first century, should purchase a copy. Other grammars are useful and have more detail and examples (eg Goodwin or Smyth), but this is a great place to start.

excellent book.......2007-07-15

I am a student at the Classical Philology Faculty from Bucharest (Romania), in the third year. This book has fulfilled my expectations. Being a small book I can take it with me everywhere and repeat the greek grammar. Whenever I translate something from Greek and I have problems with a grammatical form, I look in this easy to search book and I usually find solution to my problem. Of course, this happens when I don't have time to look into bigger and more profound grammars like Smith, Goodwin, etc. But as the author says, this Oxford grammar is based on Smith. Anyway, I recommend this book especially to those that want to repeat the essentials of the accidence and syntax of the Ancient Greek.

Greek language delights.......2007-02-01

For those, like myself, familiar with ancient, medieval and modern Greek languages (still essentially ONE language, even though the author debates changes in pronunciation) the current Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek provides a solid foundation and a delight to explore the rules and gems of this unique tongue, that is as admirable as other monuments in Hellenic art and literature. Hopefully this volume will be shared by many others. One can spend a lifetime without ever seeing the ocean - or learnig Greek! - but that would be admittedly regretful.

Great for beginners.......2006-11-11

This has been a real help for me in my first classical greek class. I reccommend it highly.

A good quick reference.......2005-12-22

After many years of just using Smyth's grammar, I decided to take a look at other texts. This is a good book and the author outlines its limitations at the outset. With this text you have the basic tools at your disposal but there is something to be said for the context in which Smyth put things. I am still getting used to the format and those of us who learned Greek the old way may never get used to the absence of more scholarly material and references. No question about the fact that if you have Smyth you will default to it most of the time. But if you are travelling or need a quick and dirty answer, this is the way to go.

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization

Average customer rating:

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization
A necessary resource for the student of early christianity
"Condensed" version still weighy volume
A good starting place
Quite helpful----with at least one serious exception.

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198601654

Book Description

CIVILIZATION IN ALL ITS ASPECTS For more than 2000 years the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome have captivated our collective imagination and provided fresh inspiration for every age. Now, for the first time, The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization distils the fruits of recent scholarship to provide the most up-to-date and authoritative survey of the Greek and Roman worlds in all their aspects. Drawing on the latest edition of the highly praised Oxford Classical Dictionary, this new illustrated Oxford Companion offers unrivalled access to the latest knowledge of classical civilization, making it the perfect guide for general readers interested in learning more about the very bedrock of Western culture. HISTORY AND POLITICS the events, achievements, and personalities of 2500 years of history of Greece and Rome and their immediate neighbours, as well as the underlying issues from democracy to propaganda, famine and finance, Hellenization and mercenaries, population, and slavery ETHICS AND MORALS, LAW AND PUNISHMENT individual philosophers and their schools, and ethical issues, such as corruption; prison; torture; abortion; attitudes to animals, to wealth, or to warfare; suicide; freedom; and intellectual or religious intolerance SOCIAL AND FAMILY LIFE food and drink, cookery, houses, and dress; childbirth; sexual behaviour, including rape and incest; and broader social topics such as status, kinship and the family, ritualized friendship, tourism, and urbanization LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, ART AND SCHOLARSHIP writers and poets, orators and playwrights, literacy and books, archives and education, literary genres, painting and sculpture, and the writing of history RELIGION AND MYTHOLOGY Greek, Roman, and Egyptian beliefs, cults, and rituals, from oracles and curses, to sacred prostitution, together with their attendant deities and mythological creatures, mingle with Judaism and early Christianity TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, AND MEDICINE the birth of the scientific method in experiment, and all manner of discovery , exploration, treatment, and theorizing on disease, geography, climate, astronomy, mineralogy, navigation, sanitation, vivisection MAJOR ESSAYS and BRILLIANT ILLUSTRATION Specially designed articles on the individuals and themes of central importance provide a useful overview for the modern reader from Alexander to Xenophon, Cicero and Hannibal; and from the histories of Greece and Rome, to Christianity, and architecture. Imaginatvely chosen and striking illustrations underline further the sophistication and complextity of classical civilization, making the ancient world dramatically present.

Customer Reviews:

The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization.......2003-06-19

A stunning revelation to the classical world . this book is more of a classical hero than herakles was

A necessary resource for the student of early christianity.......2001-04-09

This book is indispendable for a person like myself who got a degree in world religions in general, and early christianity in particular, and who, therefore, lacks an in-depth background in the secular history of Greece and Rome. I hesitated a while before writing a review because I had not read a sufficient number of articles. However, the time has come for comment. I find the shorter articles informative, but at times leaving me waanting more. The longer ones are more satisfying. I was tempted to buy the longer version of The Companion (The Oxford Classical Dictionary), but decided against it after reading the reviews. I am happy with my decision. If I want more information on a topic, I can find it elsewhere. I find that The Companion covers more topics than I need, but I enjoy randomingly paging through the book, selecting what strikes my fancy before going to sleep at night. This is a treasured resource that enhances my understanding of the milieu of early christianity.

"Condensed" version still weighy volume.......2000-09-01

The publication of The Oxford Classical Dictionary, weighing in at 1,640 pages and $99.95 price tag may have told many people more about the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds more than they wanted to know. To them, this companion will be of prime interest.

To pare down the selections, the same editors who updated the dictionary relied on an all or nothing rule: either an entry would be reproduced in its entirety, or it would be dropped. Of the 40 Claudius in the original dictionary, only the Roman emperor popularized in "I, Claudius" made the cut. In addition, the editors kicked the type size up a point or two and recast the longer essays into a one-column layout with the background lightly shaded. Even at half the price, it still offers nearly 800 pages and contains a selection of maps and color photographs not found in its larger brethern. For those who were reluctant to shell out a C-note, this is an appealing alternative.

A good starting place.......2000-02-27

As a standard introductory reference text, I found the Oxford Companion invaluable as a good beginning point to pursue any line of inquiry regarding the classical age. Weighing in at nearly 800 pages, this book is a weighty tome, not something to carry around lightly. Navigation within the book is easy with appropriate cross referencing, such as pointing you at GAIUS when you look up Caligula and warning you of other articles relating to the same subject. Also classical sources are clearly cited and I have followed a number of these up in standard translations to check their opinion. Spread throughout the book are numerous colour and black & white photographs of archaeological evidence and other artefacts. Also throughout the volume and are a number of special reference entries of extended length discussing in more detail important people, places or themes. Such as sections on: Homer, painting and slavery. As in any extended encyclopaedia project, the number of contributors is huge. Inevitably, given the small amount of space available for each section, each item is unlikely to offer a full range of scholarly thought, opinion and research. As with any reference text, it should be used as a starting point for research, not as a substitute.

You cannot please everybody all the time. On balance I think you have to accept that a work of this nature is going to throw up anomalies or controversial entries which not all readers will agree with. It is the nature of academic pursuit of knowledge to encounter disagreements or views which do not match your own. I very much doubt if hardly any of the contributors listed, would completely agree with each other on the articles which they have written. This is the nature of encyclopedias.

Particularly the arena of classical history, is prone to heated debate over the most simplest of issues, due to the lack of evidence or the interpretation of what exists, such as it is. In short there are no `facts' only interpretation.

Quite helpful----with at least one serious exception........1999-07-13

With one serious exception (see below) I have thus far found The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization to be quite helpful.

Having purchased this book as a supplemental reference for my study of biblical literature, I was shocked, angered and disappointmented upon coming across the article on "Christianity," by Philip Rousseau.

The fact that Rousseau describes Christianity in unflattering terms is not nearly so significant as the fact that his "facts" appear poorly researched and loosely strung together in an obvious attempt to vilify Christianity. Summarizing the life and ministry of Jesus in terms of "the wonder-working holy man," for example, does gross injustice to both Jesus' teachings and miracle claims.

Rousseau presents Christianity as little more than an arrogant thief and counterfeiter, stealing ideas and images first from the Jews and then from secular philosophers. In so doing, Rousseau completely disregards the concept of God's progressive revelation and the fact that no one has a patent on the truth. The New Testament books, the last of which was written prior to the close of the first century A.D., are unanimous in their presentation of the gospel as God's secret plan now unveiled for all peoples in all places. Whether for good or ill, Christian apologists later sought to convey infinite Christian truths using common finite imagery. Indeed, some did try to "blend" Christian thought and secular philosophy, although even in such cases enlightenment and not deceit was their primary motivation.

Book Description

'Two things alone I long for: first, that when I die I may leave the Roman people free...and second, that each person's fate may reflect the way he has behaved towards his country.' Cicero (106-43 BC) was the greatest orator of the ancient world and a leading politician of the closing era of the Roman republic. This book presents nine speeches which reflect the development, variety, and drama of his political career,among them two speeches from his prosecution of Verres, a corrupt and cruel governor of Sicily; four speeches against the conspirator Catiline; and the Second Philippic, the famous denunciation of Mark Antony which cost Cicero his life. Also included are On the Command of Gnaeus Pompeius, in which he praises the military successes of Pompey, and For Marcellus, a panegyric in praise of the dictator Julius Caesar. These new translations preserve Cicero's rhetorical brilliance and achieve new standards of accuracy. A general introduction outlines Cicero's public career, and separate introductions explain the political significance of each of the speeches. Together with its companion volume, Defence Speeches, this edition provides an unparalleled sampling of Cicero's oratorical achievements.

Pocket Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary

Average customer rating:

Great for the intended purpose
Good first glassical greek dictionary
Okay...
Okay
Far better than the Langenscheidt

Pocket Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198605129

Book Description

The Pocket Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary is a brand new elementary level dictionary, ideal for learners of Classical Greek at school and university level. It covers over 20,000 Greek words and phrases in clear, user-friendly translations, and over 4,000 English words in common usage. The dictionary also offers help with Greek to English sentence construction and prose composition, and provides tables of irregular verbs. Additional information includes detailed lists of numerals and proper names, a guide to pronunciation, and a map of Greece.

Customer Reviews:

Great for the intended purpose.......2007-09-30

My wife's minivan fails miserably at hauling heavy loads or towing other vehicles. However, it does quite well at the specific task it was designed for.

This compact, lightweight dictionary will not replace Liddell-Scott's Intermediate Lexicon for me anytime soon. Yet, it travels well, has nicely readable text, and the English to Greek section is quite useful. I'm keeping mine.

Good first glassical greek dictionary.......2006-11-11

Very helpful for first year greek student. This is not a comprehensive dictionary but for the price you can't beat it. You could spend the $150 for a comprehensive one but I don't reccommend it.

Okay..........2006-08-02

Pros:
- good, easy to read format
- selection of ancient greek names
- comprehensive greek section
- map of ancient Greece
- good alphabet table in front

cons:
- the english to greek section is VERY short and not very comprehensive.
- the section on grammer/pronunciation is only three pages long

All in all, an okay buy.

Okay.......2006-06-04

This dictionary is worth something because it has English to Greek entries. The section with Greek names and proper nouns is also quite useful for pronunciation and reference.

That being said, the lack of verb principal parts makes this dictionary rather weak. For students of Attic Greek it is essential to have access to every verb form. What could be a five star product gets only three for this "bush league" error.

Far better than the Langenscheidt.......2005-04-19

Finally we have a classical Ellenic dictionary that has an English to Greek section and a complete section on numerals. Exactly why every text on the classical Greek language seems to shy away from the simple matter of counting from one to ten has always been a mystery to me, but now the point is moot. I got this book in the mail a week ago and can now toss my Langenscheidt in the trash.

The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion (Oxford Paperback Reference)

Average customer rating:

The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Useful Reference, Fascinating Read

The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion (Oxford Paperback Reference)

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0192802895

Book Description

The Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion offers a fully rounded and highly authoritative point of access to all aspects of ancient religious life and thought. Dr Simon Price and Dr Emily Kearns, area advisers for the third edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary, have come together to select, revise, edit, and in some cases wholly recast, a large number of key entries from OCD to create this handy, accessible reference work on mythology and religion in the Graeco-Roman world. Bringing to the attention of a wider audience the authority and scholarly rigour of OCD, the Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion provides students, teachers, and general readers with an affordable comprehensive, and wide-ranging A-Z reference source. The Dictionary is unique in that in addition to Greek myths and Roman festivals it covers Greek and Roman religious places, monuments, religious personnel, divination, astrology, and magic, and also contains many entries on Judaism and Christianity in Greek and Roman times.

Customer Reviews:

The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion (Oxford Paperback Reference).......2006-11-17

Exelent for the novise. Very recomendeble

Useful Reference, Fascinating Read.......2004-05-13

No doubt this book was intended as a reference work and will be used as such by those who purchase it, for the most part. But, being the rather rum fellow that I am, I read the book from cover to cover and must report that it makes a dashed good read, at least for the peculiar bunch who, like myself, enjoy reading through such compilations. Just one fascinating example: I should never have known, had I not read through the work, that, according to ancient folklore, "A man who sees them becomes possessed by nymphs. They punish unresponsive lovers...." or that "Around 400 BC inscriptions mention Archedemus from Thera....who withdrew to a cave to devote himself to a monklike worship of the Nymphs." Clearly, entries like these prove rich ground for pondering male/female relations. And this is just one example! The perfect book for the Classicist near you....or perhaps yourself.

The Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World

Average customer rating:

Essential Reference Book
Stunning Compendium
greatly improved
Stripped down

The Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World
John Roberts
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0192801457

Book Description

Authoritative, wide-ranging, and unrivalled in its accessibility, The Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World is a concise and lucid survey of life in ancient Greece and Rome, spanning 776 BC - AD 180, from the first Olympic games to the death of Marcus Aurelius. An approachable, user-friendly abridgement of the highly acclaimed Oxford Classical Dictionary, this book offers over 2,500 A-Z entries on aspects of life in the classical world, from politics, medicine, philosophy, art, and architecture, to history, myth and religion, mathematics, and literature, with biographical entries on the important individuals - both real and mythological - of the period. Appendices include a clear and comprehensive account of money and its value in the classical world; a chronology of events across Greece and the east and Rome and the west; maps; and a two-way quick-reference gazetteer. This invaluable resource for students and teachers of classics and classical civilization is affordable and quick and easy to use, as well as being a fascinating guide for anyone interested in learning more about the foundations of Western culture.

Customer Reviews:

Essential Reference Book.......2007-08-09

This work will be enormously helpful to all students of antiquity. In conjunction with Margaret Howatson's Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (1989), it will give readers the basic information required to understand the classical world. That said, I must point to one omission that is so strange as to be positively weird. At its beginning (pp. x-xii), the Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World contains a list of 56 "Major Authors from Homer and Hesiod to Plutarch." How, oh how, can Sappho not be on this list? Her lesser contemporaries Alcaeus and Alcman are there, but she is not--nor, for that matter, is any other woman. Perhaps a subsequent edition will right this injustice.

Stunning Compendium.......2005-12-05

For once you can judge a book by its cover: both are stunning! I know of no other scholar who has so magically wedded a meticulous eye with a continual consideration for the lay reader. Reading this book you feel the presence of an author who truly loves the Classical World, in its broadest sense: encompassing literature, history, philosophy, and sociology. Whether you've always loved the classics or always hated them, I urge you to read this book.

greatly improved.......2005-12-05

This is not a stripped down version of the old book, but contains much new material and much that has been rewritten. It is an indispensable reference book, not only for the classical student but for the general reader, and marvelous value. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Stripped down.......2005-10-29

An abbreviated version of the Oxford Classical Dictionary, stripped of many entries and all bibliographies. This is now the third repackaging of the OCD (also appearing as Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization). The price is lower, but a waste of money. Save your pennies and buy the real thing.

The Concise Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (Oxford Paperbacks)

Average customer rating:

I never got it
very useful book

The Concise Oxford Companion to Classical Literature (Oxford Paperbacks)

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0192827081

Book Description

Based on the highly praised second edition of The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature, this is the only concise guide to ancient Greek and Roman literature available in paperback. Complete with translations of all Greek and Latin words, it is ideal for anyone interested in the classical world and its literary heritage. In addition to accounts of the lives and works of key authors, entries on important characters, plot summaries, and details of the development of such literary forms as comedy and tragedy, the Companion also offers comprehensive historical, political, social, and artistic background information.

Customer Reviews:

I never got it.......2007-09-30

If Harris Media ever sends this product to me, I will review it. Until then, I have entered complaints everywhere. It has been recommended on sites for GRE Subject Test in Literature preparation. I wish it took less than a month to receive it. Then I might have something to say... Except never ever order from Harris Media.

very useful book.......2001-08-08

Much better than the older version "The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature"( by Sir Paul Harvey ). Although it has neither maps nor illustrations , it contains more abundant entries & contents.

Book Description

From Achilles's heel to the sword of Damocles, Western culture teems with allusions from the rich heritage of classical literature, and this new edition of The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature, the first updating since Sir Paul Harvey's original edition of 1937, provides the key to
these works and the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations that produced them. Substantially revising the first edition, this volume condenses the findings of the most recent scholarship into highly readable prose and supplies a wealth of background information not found in Harvey's Companion.
Indispensable to those studying classical literature in depth, the book will be equally accessible to the non-specialist. All Greek is transliterated, with translations given for all quotations from Greek and Latin.
The main focus of the Companion remains the lives and works of the principal authors. Biographical entries offer the essential facts and sift the conjectural evidence, while entries on the major works include discussions of the philosophical dialogues and political speeches and plot summaries
of the epic poems and plays. The various literary forms--epic, comedy, tragedy, rhetorical writing--are covered in depth, supplemented by articles on the origins of the Greek and Latin alphabets and languages.
The Companion also puts this literature into its societal and historical contexts, including many articles on political, social, and artistic achievements. We learn, for example, about the political climate that produced the great speeches of Demosthenes and Cicero. Orators, statesmen, and
generals stalk the pages, and major battles and conquests from the time of Alexander to the fall of Rome are summarized. Articles on contemporary social mores and religious beliefs help explain literary references, while the glories of philosophy, science, and art are celebrated from Cynics to
Stoics, astronomy to water-clocks, and flute competitions to vase painting.
Helpful maps supplement geographical entries, a chronological table provides an overview of the main historical and literary events, and a systematic set of cross-references links the entries. The breadth and accuracy of this volume will surely make it the standard reference book of its kind
for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

A Comprehensive Survey of Classical Literature.......2005-06-14

A useful reference work for anyone interested in the literature of the ancient world, The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature is arranged alphabetically and contains encyclopedic entries for all of the major authors and their particular works, Greek and Latin gods, mythological characters, histories of Greece and Rome, major historical figures, and relevant places.

The original edition of the 1930s by Sir Paul Harvey became a classic of its own and was intended by the author to be a handbook of information for readers of the Greek and Latin authors and of modern works that touched upon the classical world. The current second edition is edited by Margaret Howatson, who revises and enlarges the Harvey edition. She notes that while a few of the entries on technical subjects were written with classical specialists in mind, the book generally requires no knowledge of Greek or Latin and is intended for anyone curious to find out more about the classical world.

An ideal companion for any reader interested in Greek or Latin literature and history.

Avocational Requirement.......2004-02-13

For anyone interested in reading from Greek and Latin / Roman history, literature, philosophy, &c. this will help you through. Entries include texts, themes, authors, characters, place names, and genre discussion.

If you have always wanted to read Virgil, Homer, Julius Caesar, and were not inclined to begin with a chronological survey of culture, history, philosophy, this book will enliven and make intelligible your reading. One literary help for me was to be able to look up the name of a character, geographical location, or common noun, and find enough information to make a whole text intelligible.

While Oxford Classical Dictionary covers subjects in greater detail, this volume is a direct help in reading Greek and Latin texts in translation.

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