A Garland: The Poems and Fragments of Sappho

A Garland: The Poems and Fragments of Sappho - Sappho, J.G.F. Powell

There's not much to say about this, its beautiful poetry. Right from the start I was reminded of an ancient Egyptian love poem ("I was simply off to see Nefrus my friend") that I'd read for a class once, not that it was so similar to Sappho, but in how I was suddenly hearing a voice--I read poetry out loud whenever I can get away with it--that has been dead for well over 2,000 years.

I've never read Sappho before so I can't say if its this edition's translation and arrangement of her work that made me so entranced by it, but I was deeply disappointed when the poetry ended on page 28.

The rest of the book is a detailed biography, bibliography and history of Sappho, her poetry and its influence. It's such a slim thing, perfect for a quiet moment.