Lucian of Samosata

Lucian's criticism of contemporary historians.

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Widely hailed as the first science fiction story, A True Story, by Lucian of Samosata is a voyage to the edges of the universe and reason. The title is the first clue that this will be a tall tale. As much a predecessor of Douglas Adams as Jules Verne, Lucian's fantasy explores not only outer space (where he brokers war and peace between the inhabitants of the sun and moon), but also the Elysian fields, the geography of the Odyssey, and the interior of a giant whale. We get to meet Homer, Pythagoras, Socrates, and other immortals, as well as a host of bizarre creatures. The text is riddled with puns, innuendo, parody and satire; however most of this humor will escape the modern reader. Suffice it to say that this was considered pretty funny in the second century [AD]. The narrative breaks off in the second book. Whether there were more adventures or Lucian just ran out of ideas is unknown.

Lucian of Samosata is celebrated for lively and original satires, which demonstrate his cynical wit and critical interpretation of Greek literature. Well-regarded for his Attic purity and the elegance of his Greek, Lucian is now recognised as one of the first true modern innovators of literature. Delphi’s Ancient Classics series provides eReaders with the wisdom of the Classical world, with both English translations and the original Greek texts. For the first time in digital publishing, this comprehensive eBook presents Lucian’s complete extant works, with beautiful illustrations, rare translations, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1)* Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Lucian's life and works* Features the complete extant works of Lucian, in both English translation and the original Greek* Concise introductions to the famous satires* Includes translations by H. W. Fowler and F. G. Fowler (Oxford University Press) and by A. M. Harmon (Loeb Classical Library)* Excellent formatting of the texts* Includes many rare translations of Pseudo-Lucian works, available in no other collection* Lucian’s ‘Epigrams’, translated by W. R. Paton in the Loeb Classical Library ‘Greek Anthology’ editions* Features two bonus biographies – discover Lucian's ancient world* Scholarly ordering of texts into chronological order and literary genresPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to explore our range of Ancient Classics titles or buy the entire series as a Super SetThe TranslationsPHALARIS 1 — Φάλαρις ΑPHALARIS 2 — Φάλαρις ΒHIPPIAS — Ἱππίας ἢ ΒαλανεῖονDIONYSUS — ΔιόνυσοςHERACLES — ἩρακλῆςAMBER; OR, THE SWANS — Περὶ τοῦ Ἡλέκτρου ἢ ΚύκνωνTHE FLY — Μυίας ἘγκώμιονNIGRINUS — Νιγρίνου ΦιλοσοφίαDEMONAX — Δημώνακτος ΒίοςCONCERNING A HALL — Περὶ τοῦ ΟἴκουMY NATIVE LAND — Πατρίδος ἘγκώμιονOCTOGENERIANS — ΜακρόβιοιA TRUE STORY — Ἀληθῶν ΔιηγημάτωνSLANDER — Περὶ τοῦ μὴ ῥᾳδίως πιστεύειν ΔιαβολῇTHE CONSONANTS AT LAW — Δίκη ΣυμφώνωνTHE CAROUSAL SYMPOSIUM OR THE LAPITHS — Συμπόσιον ἢ ΛαπίθαιSOLOECISTA — Ψευδοσοφιστής ἢ Σολοικιστής

English, Greek (translation)