Great classic writing in poetry study with and easy to read tempo and highlights that will make the reader stop and gaze out the window to rethink what they just read.

This is an accurate, robust translation of Hesiod's Theogony and his Works and Days. There is a concise introduction to the poet, his historical context and to the poems. The reader gets both the Greek text and the English translation. I do need to say that this probably works better on the printed page than electronically, as the Greek text precedes the translation, making direct comparison rather difficult. I found myself often reading the English and at a particular phrase finding myself scrolling back to match the translator's version with what Hesiod had actually composed. The translation itself is idiomatic and for the most part keeps close to the text, but does at times prefer paraphrase for the sake of carrrying meaning from archaic Greek to modern English usage. I read this at much the same time as Madeline Miller's new novel, Circe, and found it fascinating to compare the two. Both of Hesiod's poems are very powerful pieces of work with some remarkable imagery and this version is very successful in bringing that message to a new audience.

Kimberly Johnson has crafted a lucid and elegant translation of Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days. I had never heard of Hesiod - a poet contemporary to Homer - before reading this translation, and found the work enjoyable. If you're a fan of Robert Fagles' translation of The Iliad and The Odyssey, or Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, you'll similarly enjoy Johnson's rendering of Hesiod's works. Johnson's translation is likewise lyrical and linguistically intricate, but also clear and easily understood. Theogony is a genealogy of the gods, and details the overthrow of the Titans. Johnson argues that Hesiod continues his study of the divine order of the universe in a more earthly context in Works and Days, in which Hesiod lays out how to organize agricultural and maritime tasks throughout the year (the "works" part), as well as auspicious dates and months as ordained by Zeus (the "days" part). Interspersed in the Works and Days are a number of aphorisms and sayings, some of which apply as well today in the modern world as they did in ancient times (the sayings on gossip and falsehoods, for instance, ring all too true). Complementing Johnson's translation are helpful introductory sections and thorough notes, and those with a knowledge of Greek will enjoy this volume's bilingual format, to enable side-by-side Greek and English comparisons.

Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read - great for the back-story of the Olympian gods, and for an interesting snapshot into everyday ancient Greek life and folk wisdom.

I love reading ancient work when I can find a good modern translation - the Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf - and Kimberly Johnson's work in translating Hesiod's two great poems here certainly fits the bill for me. It is amazing to think his words were originally spoken getting on for three millennia ago, yet in his ideas about how people should live in order to be in harmony with themselves and nature, Hesiod is surprisingly relevant - if I ignore his blatant misogyny of course!

Not being totally well-versed in Ancient Greek mythology, I did struggle to keep up with exactly who is who in Theogony. This poem namechecks, I think, all the Greek Gods and Goddeses Hesiod knew of, briefly referencing some of their stories, but obviously expecting an audience to already be familiar with every one. As a novice, I am now completely baffled by the pantheon, but enjoyed Hesiod's poetic flow especially in the sections where he effectively just lists name after name after name. I was reminded of Tom Lehrer's Perodic Table song and wondered if these passages were structured as an aide-memoire as well as being fun to recite aloud (yes, I did!).

Works And Days concerns itself more with the practicalities of human life and meanders around a variety of subjects. As poetry, I was less impressed with this second offering, but did appreciate the inclusion of a stream of bizarre maxims and superstitions at the end. It turns out there are propitious days for pretty much everything! I imagine trying to actually live observing all of them would be exasperating.

Where I felt I most benefited from this edition of Theogony and Works And Days was in their introductory essays which are very informative and gave me good pointers on phrases to watch out for, without being dry and overly scholarly. I also liked that both poems are presented bilingually in sections so anyone able to read Greek can easily switch between the two languages. Despite not having this ability, I began to identify certain names as I went through and would certainly have appreciated this approach when I studied Classical Civilisations for GCSE.

A great resource for students and scholars.  This edition provides a helpful introduction and explanation by the author and the Greek text and a new and clear English translation.of Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days.

Theogony and Works and Days: A New Bilingual Edition by Hesiod is a collection of ancient Greek poetry.  Hesiod wrote in the late 8th Century BC.  His work is preserved in dactyl hexameter and in over fifty sources exist.  The work as published by Northwestern University Press is printed in both Greek and English on opposite pages.  Kimberly Johnson is responsible for the translation. Johnson is a professor in the English department at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Johnson translates the Greek and provides the introductions.  The Works are translated in a way to preserve the original intent as well as to keep the flow of words in poetic form. Reading Theogony one easily catches the rhythm of the words and lines and falls into the story.  It reads as an epic poem much like the later Beowulf and Paradise Lost.  Zeus throws lightning bolts without mercy instead of angels heaving mountains.  There is a grand scale to it.  For those not familiar with Greek mythology, the Kindle Edition will allow the reader to immediately identify gods, demigods, and titans with Wikipedia.  I used that feature throughout the reading.  

Johnson also explains why a large part of Theogony is devoted to the minor god Hekate.  She was a bridge between the Titans and the Olympians.  She was the last goddess born in the Titan generation but honored above all by Zeus.  There is plenty of action in the poem as well as a bit of the god's family tree. The translation brings the poem to life. 

Works and Days is a mix topics.  There is Hesiod's dispute with his brother over inherited property.  The rest is a mix of advice -- Never accept a gift from Zeus.  Rules -- A man must never bathe in a woman's bath water.  Agricultural advice -- how to use the constellations to determine planting and harvesting.  Hesiod also offers advice on never planting on the thirteenth day of a waxing moon.  This sounds a bit mystical, but recalling Hesiod's fondness of Hekate, the goddess of magic, among other things, it makes sense.  Although it is not known if Hesiod took a wife he does offer advice on the subject: 

When you've come to ripeness, bring home a wife -- 
Neither far shy of thirty nor aged too far past: 
The sweet spot for your marrying. 

Johnson translates an exciting bit of history, poetry, and mythology that seems rather rare today. The blending of several aspects of Greek culture in one book makes it an excellent study for those who enjoy poetry, history, or mythology. A great read and a great bit of education.