Stanley F. Lombardo crafts translations of classical epics with a distinctive vernacular style, prioritizing conversational English over formal tones. His work is intentionally designed for oral performance, aiming to recreate the experience of ancient Greek recitations. Lombardo's approach breathes new life into foundational texts, making them accessible and engaging for contemporary readers through dynamic and performative renditions.
The Dionysiaca of Nonnus of Panopolis
Provides the first English verse translation of one of the most extraordinary poems of the Greek literary tradition, the Dionysiaca of Nonnus of Panopolis. The Dionysiaca is by far the longest poem surviving from the classical world, a massive mythological epic stretching to over 20,000 lines, written in the tradition of Homer.
"Gripping... Lombardo's achievement is all the more striking when you consider the difficulties of his task... (He) manages to be respectful of Homer's dire spirit while providing on nearly every page some wonderfully fresh refashioning of his Greek. The result is a vivid and disarmingly hardbitten reworking of a great classic." — Daniel Mendelsohn, The New York Times Book Review
For nearly two generations, this bestselling translation of the 'Tao Te Ching' has been essential for those seeking Taoist wisdom. Jane English and her editor, Toinette Lippe, have refreshed the translation to better reflect the original Classical Chinese while addressing modern language changes and removing any lingering inaccuracies. This beautifully oversized edition includes over a hundred new photographs by English that capture the vast spirit of the Tao. An introduction by philosopher Jacob Needleman enriches the experience. Lao Tsu’s philosophy emphasizes acceptance of the present moment without wishing for change. By studying the natural order and working with it, rather than against it, one can avoid resistance. Nature offers everything freely, without discrimination, urging us to treat all individuals equally, regardless of their behavior. Observing closely, we find that work flows more smoothly when we cease excessive effort and stop fixating on results. In a clear and open mind, truth emerges. Te, translated as "virtue" or "strength," is found in the Tao, meaning "the way" or "natural law." Ultimately, the message is to simply be.