Book excerpt: The tutor of the epic poet Virgil, Parthenius of Nicaea was a Greek grammarian and poet that flourished in the first century AD. Regarded as the last of the Alexandrians, Parthenius was a writer of elegies and short epic poems. His sole surviving work, ‘Love Romances’, is a collection of thirty-six epitomes of mythological love stories, all of which have tragic or sentimental endings. The tales are valuable in providing information on Alexandrian poets and grammarians whose works are now lost. The ‘Love Romances’ would play an important part in the development of the love story – especially the tragic love story – in the course of Western literature. Delphi’s Ancient Classics series provides eReaders with the wisdom of the Classical world, with both English translations and the original Greek texts. This comprehensive eBook presents Parthenius’ complete extant works, with illustrations, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Parthenius’ life and works * Features the complete extant works of Parthenius, in both English translation and the original Greek * Concise introduction to the text * Features S. Gaselee’s 1916 translation, with footnotes, previously appearing in the Loeb Classical Library * Includes rare fragments of Parthenius * Excellent formatting of the texts * Easily locate the sections you want to read with individual contents tables * Provides a special dual English and Greek text, allowing readers to compare the sections paragraph by paragraph — ideal for students * Features a bonus biography — discover Parthenius’ ancient world Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to explore our range of Ancient Classics titles or buy the entire series as a Super Set CONTENTS: The Translation Love Romances The Greek Text Contents of the Greek Text The Dual Text Dual Greek and English Text The Biography Introduction to Parthenius by S. Gaselee Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting titles