Hesiod: Theogony, Works and Days, Shield

There are many editions of Hesiod's (c. 700 BC) works, but I find this one by Prof. Apostolos Athanassakis the best. While I can't comment on the translation, the introduction to Hesiod, the introduction to the individual works, the extensive notes as well as the size of the type and the margins make it the most useful. For example, the notes not only explain the text, but discuss parallel ideas from the Bible, literature from other ancient cultures, and even remnants in contemporary Greek folk lore. This edition also contains The Shield, a poem no longer considered by Hesiod and probably dated a 100 or so years later than Hesiod's poems.

Hesiod is often overshadowed by his--most probable--contemporary, Homer. Both poets descend from ancient oral traditions, and are considered by many scholars today to be the pinnacle of this tradition. One can see why after reading one of their epic poems. However, they differ greatly in their styles: from their choice of meter to their subject matters. This is because they were most likely of different "poetic groups." Hesiod stresses the story of the Gods and classifies them through their geneaology, particularly in his Theogony. This is, however, more exciting than it sounds. It is the story of the Titanomachia, the battle of the Titans. "Works and Days" is a gem. Most of the poem is spent giving advice on agriculture and farming, but it also has some very enlightening things to say about daily life and social behaviour...beware ladies, for there is an unkind line about women in the Works and Days...don't let it stop you from reading this great work though. Read it and love it!