The Complete Odes (Oxford World´s Classics New Edition)

• An excellent new translation of the Greek poet Pindar's victory odes for winners in the ancient Games, with comprehensive,
• up-to-date introductory material and annotation, of special interest in Olympic years.
• This collaboration between translator and leading scholar produces an accurate, readable text and first-class contextualization.
• Anthony Verity's translation is readable, lucid, and keeps close to the Greek without lapsing into obscurity.
• The succinct introduction by Stephen Instone outlines the essential nature of Pindar's odes as well as explaining the nature of the Games, the events, and the participants
• Explanatory notes help the reader to navigate Pindar's sometimes compressed and allusive expressive technique.

'we can speak of no greater contest than Olympia'

The Greek poet Pindar (c. 518-428 BC) composed victory odes for winners in the ancient Games, including the Olympics. He celebrated the victories of athletes competing in foot races, horse races, boxing, wrestling, all-in fighting and the pentathlon, and his Odes are fascinating not only for their poetic qualities, but for what they tell us about the Games. Pindar praises the victor by comparing him to mythical heroes and the gods, but also reminds the athlete of his human limitations. The Odes contain versions of some of the best known Greek myths, such as Jason and the Argonauts, and Perseus and Medusa, and are a valuable source for Greek religion and ethics. Pindar's startling use of language - striking metaphors, bold syntax, enigmatic expressions - makes reading his poetry a uniquely rewarding experience.

Anthony Verity's lucid translations are complemented by an introduction and notes that provide insight into competition, myth, and meaning.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Readership: Readers and students of poetry in translation, classical literature, Greek literature and myth, Greek civilization, religion, ancient athletics