William Allan

William Allan's Very Short Introduction provides a concise and lively guide to the major authors, genres, and periods of classical literature. Drawing upon a wealth of material, he reveals just what makes the 'classics' such masterpieces and why they continue to influence and fascinate today.

A Very Short Introduction

Classical Literature

The Children of Heracles is a powerful and challenging tragedy of exile and supplication. Driven from their homeland by Eurystheus, king of Argos, the children of Heracles flee as fugitives throughout Greece until they are granted protection in Athens.

Euripides: the Children of Heracles

From popular histories through to reworkings of classical subject matter by contemporary poets, dramatists, and novelists, the classical world and the masterpieces of its literature continue to fascinate readers and audiences in a huge variety of media. In this Very Short Introduction, William Allan explores what the 'classics' are and why they continue to shape our Western concepts of literature. Presenting a range of material from both Greek and Latin literature, he illustrates the variety and sophistication of these works, and considers examples from all the major genres. Ideal for the general reader interested in works of classic literature, as well as students at A-Level and University, this is a lively and lucid guide to the major authors and literary forms of the ancient period. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Classical Literature: A Very Short Introduction

A clear and stimulating introduction to Homer's Iliad, the greatest poem of Western culture.

Homer: The Iliad

Or Poems and Songs, Chiefly Scottish

Hame-spun Lilts

Reprint of the original, first published in 1874.

Hame-Spun Lilts

Elaine Henderson

A handy, quick-reference guide to thousands of difficult-to-remember or difficult-to-find facts, now in ebook format.

Collins Gem Fact File

Notes on Rankine's Applied Mechanics--part I, and Rankine's Civil Engineering--parts II & III.

The first book by a Scottish engineer, later shipowner and member of Parliament. Allan was the first large employer to introduce an eight hour day for his workers.

Rough Castings in Scotch and English Metals

This is the story of a man's impossible journey back home. His name is Odis, or Ottis, or some variation of Odysseus, as a nod to another impossible journey, although the similarity ends with his name. It is also the story of humans' impossible journey to leave the nest, with infinite choices leading to disaster and infinite more leading to stagnation. If one man can find his way home to teach the one way off the planet Earth, humanity may survive the galactic collision with Andromeda. As an author, I see that the current climate is publishers clamoring for LGBTQ characters. It is tempting to pander to that demand. Instead I chose as my main character's relationship one based on domination and submission. Having the privilege of knowing some extraordinarily loving couples in the D/S community, I observe they are still often treated as politically incorrect in a world supposedly now open to diversity. My main character needed an extraordinary relationship to continue to face impossible odds against getting back home, which for him was wherever his other half was. If you are unfamiliar with the D/S community, you may get a look at a relationship where, like real-world D/S relationships, the sexually submissive half is often the dominant decision maker. The protagonist comes from a world far more medically advanced than our own, where disease is a historical artifact, pregnancy a choice, and even genetic defects have simple cures. In such a world, there is no biological backlash from the sex act, so most of the world has left monogamy behind. Our protagonists choose monogamy in a world that now considers it quaint, but their torrid relationship leaves them forever satisfied.

Lost in MultiSpace

Or Poems and Songs

Heather-bells

This book offers a clear and stimulating introduction to Homer's Iliad, the greatest poem of Western culture. It discusses central aspects of the work (including the tradition of oral poetry, the style and structure of the epic, and its depiction of the gods, heroism, war, and gender roles) and guides the reader in understanding the skill and profundity of Homer's achievement. This introduction is ideal for undergraduates and students in the upper forms of schools, but it requires no knowledge of ancient Greek and is intended for all readers interested in Homer. The Classical World series is well established and explores the culture and achievements of the civilizations of Greece and Rome. Concise yet informative and stimulating, each book includes illustrations and suggestions for further reading and study. Designed specifically for students and teachers of Classical Civilization at late school and early university level, the series provides an up-to-date collection of accessible guides to the history, institutions, literature, art and values of the Classical world.

A Book of Poems, Democratic Chants, and Songs, in English and Scottish

A selection of the work of ten poets with detailed introduction and linguistic, literary and cultural commentary suitable for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, but also of interest to scholars. Includes some major pieces, such as the recently discovered Plataea elegy of Simonides and Telephus elegy of Archilochus.

Greek Elegy and Iambus

Elegy and iambus are major forms of Greek literature which are crucial to understanding the Archaic and early Classical periods in particular. This edition gathers work by ten poets: two iambic (Semonides and Hipponax), six elegiac (Callinus, Tyrtaeus, Mimnermus, Theognis, Xenophanes, Simonides), and two writing in both forms (Archilochus and Solon). It explores a representative sample of each poet's surviving work, while also highlighting their variety, and provides an up-to-date commentary on major pieces, including recent discoveries such as Simonides' Plataea elegy and Archilochus' Telephus elegy. The wide-ranging Introduction discusses such issues as poet and persona, contexts of performance, and various cultural themes (expansion and contact with foreign cultures, social and political revolution, sexuality and gender, rationalism) as well as language, style, metre, and textual transmission. The volume will be of interest to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to scholars of early Greek literature and cultural history.

A Selection

Poems and Songs

Lays of Leisure

Andreas Bathory

"Book for the Dead" it is dedicated to all of our loved ones who have crossed the veil. It is a journey to the afterlife. If you have lost a loved one and you want to keep their souls and sense of spirit alive in your life, all of what you will need is in this book. This book will teach you all the rituals, prayers, and offerings, the souls need after their passing in order to remain attuned to your presence here. The most iridescent presence that commands the attention and the waking thoughts of all souls here in this existence, regardless of their beliefs, their following, or their way of living, is the coming of the moment of our death and to what comes after it. Immortality isn't the issue at hand. True immortality, doesn't come from magick, deities, morals, actions etc...it comes from the most powerful emotion all human beings share, love! Loved ones will keep you around forever, in their minds, hearts, memories and in photographs. Loved ones will pass on stories and will talk about you, making their loved ones hold memories of you, keeping you around long after death. Their souls really do need us still. Come and learn how to help them. Book for the Dead - By Andreas Bathory and Allan Lavey

Book for the Dead

Euripides Medea

Euripides' "Medea" is one of the greatest and most influential Greek tragedies. This book outlines the development of the Medea myth before Euripides and explores his uniquely powerful version from various angles. There are chapters on the play's relationship to the gender politics of fifth-century Athens, Medea's status as a barbarian, and the complex moral and emotional impact of her revenge. Particular attention is paid to the tragic effect of Medea's great monologue and the significance of her role as a divine avenger. The book ends by considering the varied and fascinating reception of Euripides' play from antiquity to the present day.

Euripides: Medea

Euripides

Detailed commentary, suitable for students, on one of the most skilful and original Greek tragedies.

William Allan

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