Jason and the Golden Fleece (The Argonautica)

This is a major new translation of a classic work of Greek literature - Apollonius of Rhodes'' epic poem on the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece. The translation is both reliable and accurate, as well as gripping to read, and is designed to bring out the best of Apollonius'' brilliant, highly original, and sometimes disturbing poem. With a full glossary, notes, and introduction, this edition has all the elements to satisfy classicists and general readers alike.

The Argonautica is the dramatic story of Jason''s quest for the Golden Fleece and his relations with the dangerous Colchian princess, Medea. The only extant Greek epic poem to bridge the gap between Homer and late antiquity, it is a major product of the brilliant world of the Ptolemaic court at Alexandria, written by Apollonius of Rhodes in the 3rd century BC. Apollonius explores many of the fundamental aspects of life in a highly original way: love, deceit, heroism, human ignorance of the diven, the limits of science. This volume offers the first scholarly translation into English prose for many years, combining readability with accuracy and an attention to detail that will appeal to readers both with and without Greek. `Based on a deep understanding of the text, this translation, with informative notes and an excellent introduction, will bring Apollonius to the audience he deserves....'' (TLS) ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.