Quintus Smyrnaeus was a Greek epic poet whose work continues the grand tradition of Homeric storytelling. His Posthomerica picks up the narrative of the Trojan War after the events chronicled in Homer's epics, delving into the often-untold aspects of the conflict. Smyrnaeus sought to revive ancient epic styles, focusing on vivid depictions of heroic deeds and the dramatic turns of fate in the war's final stages. His poetry offers readers a rich expansion of the Trojan War mythos, showcasing a masterful continuation of classical epic.
Quintus Smyrnaeus' Posthomerica, composed between the late second and mid- fourth centuries AD, boldly adapts Homeric diction and style to fill in the story of the Trojan expedition between the end of the Iliad and the beginning of the Odyssey. This edition replaces the earlier Loeb Classical Library edition by A. S. Way (1913).
Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, this translation illuminates the narrative power and literary significance of the now-lost Greek epics known as the Epic Cycle. Alan James's line-by-line verse translation captures the essence of Quintus's work, showcasing themes of heroism, cunning, and the complexities of the human experience. The edition features a comprehensive introduction, detailed summaries, source commentary, and an index of names, enriching the reader's understanding of this vibrant tale that complements the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Unveränderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1866.