This is a pretty self-explanatory book, at least I thought it would be. I picked this book up because the cover I own is incredibly pretty. I ended up staying for the writing. This book is about Greek literature, I think. It’s a little unclear on the purpose, and sometimes makes my eyes glaze over.
It is a wonderful book though, especially the prose. The prose is amazing. It just makes me happy. I love a 19th century prose, and this is 1882, and a prime example of that. In the first chapter, I believe, they say “[The] literature we are here to skim lightly and swiftly, taking dips as we go, like swallows flying above the surface of a lake, broad, pellucid and deep.” This is an academic text, this is the formal writing I long for.
There are also several very detailed illustrations, that are just very cool. Another highlight, in my opinion, is the quote “Aesop’s end was tragic, for while acting in the capacity of embassador for Croe’sus, the rich king of Lydia, he was convicted of sacrilege at Delphi, and thrown headlong from a precipice in punishment.” This book gets to the point, and just wonderful.
For my favorite part, it has to be when the book called me it’s friend, which you don’t see in today”s literature.
I fully would recommend this book, although I don’t know where to find it, as it is a bit outdated. Oh, and it provides other recommendations for good books to read, as well as an explanation of the college system when it comes to languages, somewhat strangely.
Edit: I have the 1882 print, so some of this may be inaccurate, and it has come to my attention that it is fairly easy to acquire a modern print. I cannot speak to the quality of that print, in illustration, changes of language or otherwise.