"Combining literary and philosophical analysis, this study defends an utterly innovative reading of the early history of poetics. It is the first to argue that there is a distinctively Socratic view of poetry and the first to connect the Socratic view of poetry with earlier literary tradition."--Jacket.

"Poet and translator Edward McCrorie now opens new territory in this rendition, which captures the spare, powerful tone of Homer's epic while engaging contemporary readers with its brisk pace, idiomatic language, and lively characterization. McCrorie closely reproduces the Greek metrical patterns and employs a diction and syntax that reflects the plain, at times stark, quality of Homer's lines rather than later English poetic styles. Avoiding both...

Deals in turn with the chief figures of Greek lyric poetry from the seventh to the sixth centuries, with a final chapter on Attic drinking-songs. The author has taken account of recent discoveries and discussions and attempts to give as full an account as possible of each poet. He relates them to their historical background, quotes and translates the important texts, and analyzes their special characteristics. The book is intended primarily for scholars...