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Heraclitus: Translation and Analysis
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This English translation of Heraclitus' fragments combines all those generally accepted in modern scholarship. Dennis Sweet maintains the "flavor" of the Greek syntax as much as meaningful English will allow, and uses more archaic meanings over the later meanings. In the footnotes he includes, along with various textual and explanatory information, variant meanings of the most important terms so as to convey some of the semantical richness and layers of meaning which Heraclitus often utilizes.
This English translation of Heraclitus' fragments combines all those generally accepted in modern scholarship. Dennis Sweet maintains the "flavor" of the Greek syntax as much as meaningful English will allow, and uses more archaic meanings over the later meanings. In the footnotes he includes, along with various textual and explanatory information, variant meanings of the most important terms so as to convey some of the semantical richness and layers of meaning which Heraclitus often utilizes.
110 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 16, 2021
This should be considered the definitive English translation of Heraclitus’ writings. The translator does an excellent job trying to make Heraclitus’ voice be the only one you hear.
As for the fragments themselves, Heraclitus’ words echo from the past but feel modern and applicable to today. Doesn’t feel like it was written almost 2,500 years ago
As for the fragments themselves, Heraclitus’ words echo from the past but feel modern and applicable to today. Doesn’t feel like it was written almost 2,500 years ago
September 29, 2020
I cannot stress the fact enough that this translation seems to be absolutely brilliant. It maintains the archaic form of the aphorisms of Heraclitus. Yet the footnotes and especially the analysis at the end guides you through how to understand the under lying themes and unity of the whole. Constant references are made towards certain choices in translation and also to other respected scholars in the field who have worked on the same material. I learned a great deal on the aspects of the “logos” I did not know before.
May 10, 2022
Let me preface this review by saying that I studied under Dr. Sweet and he was an enormous influence on me and my life.
This is an excellent work, translating Heraclitus' words, then putting them together into a unified thought. This is, in my opinion, as interesting and complete an assessment as one can reasonably expect given that most of Heraclitus' works are lost.
This is an excellent work, translating Heraclitus' words, then putting them together into a unified thought. This is, in my opinion, as interesting and complete an assessment as one can reasonably expect given that most of Heraclitus' works are lost.
September 6, 2018
Quick read
Main point is duality of life and death, mortal immortal
Main point is duality of life and death, mortal immortal
July 15, 2025
It's very effective as a basic introduction to Heraclitus' thought without getting too deep into the nitty-gritty of interpretation, however incredibly barebones. Useful for beginners, but not otherwise.
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