Greek Anthology

The word "anthology" is derived from two Greek words, "anthos," a flower, and "logos," an account or description. Literally it means a description of flowers; but figuratively it is now applied to a compilation of epigrammatic writings, prose or poetry, of a nation.

The art of poetry was early cultivated by the Greeks, not so much for the expression of personal feeling as for the commemoration of distinguished individuals or events, or as an accompaniment of votive offerings.

Such writings were called epigrams, i. e., inscriptions, indicating that the lines were intended to be engraved or inscribed. The epigrammatic form of writing was most fully developed during the era of Alexander the Great. As time went on, it occurred to poets to collect these epigrams. About 90 B. C. the poet Meleager of Gadara made a collection of epigrams from Sappho down to his own times, adding many contributions of his own, and entitled it the "Garland." In an introductory poem he compared each author to a flower appropriate to his genius. Hence the term "anthology" to all succeeding collections of epigrams.

In the Middle Ages five Greek Anthologies existed; but the chief claim of anthology upon the present age is due to its existence as a growing body of poetry from generation to generation, each enshrining a distinct epoch, yet constituting an organic whole.

The wisdom of the ages has thus been gathered together in these short sayings, or epigrams.

The value of anthology can hardly be exaggerated, whether it be considered as a storehouse of antique manners, customs, arts, religion, politics of a nation, or as to its influence on European literature. A brief research into the anthology of nations will prove from whence have come many of our most familiar phrases; the "household words" of all cultivated languages; the benefit of brevity, simplicity, and absolute verbal accuracy of thought expression.

Greek anthology has no adequate English translation. The first attempt appeared anonymously in 1791. Others followed; but no translation equals in brevity, purity and clarity the Greek original--qualities which have made these epigrams consummate models of style to the modern world. As an example:-