Lucian, True History Introduction, Text, Translation, and Commentary

Lucian of Samosata's True History is a fantastical tale of voyage and imagination. No editor, translator, or reader knows quite how to describe it or fit it comfortably into a familiar genre of Greek literature: 'satires' and 'dialogues' only partially describe the genre or genres he wrote in. Of all the ancient Greco-Roman writers, Lucian is without doubt one of the most inventive and witty.

The Greek text in this edition of the True History is accompanied by a facing page English translation, making it an accessible and informative resource aimed at students and teachers of Greek. Whether used in the classroom or in research, readers will benefit from an introduction to Lucian and his place in imperial Greek literature, as well as a translation and commentary that bring out the wonders of his True History.

Diskin Clay, Former R. J. R. Nabisco Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies, Duke University

The late Diskin Clay was R. J. R. Nabisco Distinguished Professor of Classical Studies at Duke University.


James H. Brusuelas is Associate Professor of Research in Classics and Computer Science and Digital Humanities Manager at EduceLab at the University of Kentucky.