Volume I. Olympian Odes. Pythian Odes

William H. Race gives us, in two volumes, a new edition and translation of Pindar's four books of victory odes, along with surviving fragments of his other poems. Brief introductions to each ode and full explanatory footnotes afford invaluable guidance throughout. Like Simonides and Bacchylides, Pindar wrote elaborate odes in honor of prize-winning athletes. His 45 victory odes celebrate triumphs in athletic contests at the four great Panhellenic festivals: the Olympic, Pythian (at Delphi), Nemean, and Isthmian games. In these poems, Pindar commemorates the achievement of athletes and powerful rulers against the backdrop of divine favor, human failure, heroic legend, and the moral ideals of aristocratic Greek society. Readers have long savored their rich poetic imagery, moral maxims, and vivid portrayals of sacred myths.

Series No. 56 / 394 pages / ISBN 0-674-99564-3