Simplified Sappho Fragments for Winter

In this stunning new translation, acclaimed poet and classicist Anne Carson presents all of the fragments of the ancient Greek poet Sappho's lyric works, offering readers a tantalizing window into the genius of a woman whose poetic power has spanned millennia. Of the nine books of lyrics Sappho is said to have composed, only one poem has survived intact, with the rest existing as fragmented pieces. Carson's "gorgeous translation" (as described by The New York Times) invites a thrilling sense of discovery and conjecture, capturing the essence of Sappho's words, which she describes as "thin fire... racing under skin."

The poet's command of language is "honed to a perfect edge," as the Los Angeles Times noted, and her respectful yet imaginative approach to the text allows Sappho's lyrical brilliance to shine forth. Readers are given the opportunity to engage with these ancient fragments, both in the original Greek and in Carson's masterful English translation, as if encountering the ragged scraps of papyrus that have preserved them over the centuries.

This "miraculous new translation" offers a glimpse into the genius of one of the most renowned and influential poets of the ancient world. Sappho's lyric power has captivated audiences for millennia, and Carson's work allows modern readers to experience the raw emotion and beauty of her poetry. The fragmented nature of the surviving texts adds to the allure, inviting readers to fill in the gaps with their own imagination and conjecture.

Carson's translation is a testament to her skill as a poet and classicist, seamlessly bridging the gap between the ancient Greek and the contemporary English-speaking audience. Her respect for the original works is evident in the precision and care with which she has rendered Sappho's words, while her imaginative approach breathes new life into these timeless fragments.

The opportunity to engage with Sappho's poetry in this format is a rare and thrilling experience. The juxtaposition of the Greek and English texts encourages readers to delve deeper into the nuances of the language, to savor the rhythms and imagery that have captivated audiences for centuries. Carson's translation is a masterful work of scholarship and artistry, inviting readers to uncover the genius of Sappho and to revel in the timeless power of her poetic voice.

product information: