Works and Days

A poem by Hesiod which consists of 828 lines; assumed to have been written in the seventh century BCE and passed from generation to generation until it became the poem we now possess.

In this poem, Hesiod engages in a monologue with his brother, Perses, on matters that range from the practical day-to-day administration of the family farm, to the spiritual and ethical conduct that Hesiod believed was essential if Perses wanted to lead a productive and worthwhile life; there are priceless pieces of advice and humble bits of wisdom included in this poem; one of my favorite passages urges Perses to be friendly and welcoming to his neighbors because, during times of crisis, your neighbors will rush to your aid at a moment’s notice whereas your relatives will take the time to dress properly before they come (lines 342-345).

Works and Days can be found as part of the Richmond Lattimore book, Hesiod, which includes Works and Days, Theogony and The Shield of Herakles, ISBN 0472081616 (paper bound) or 0472439030 (clothbound); for the complete translations of the Epic Cycle I also recommend the Loeb Classical Library volume 57, ISBN 0674990633; you can find these books at most libraries or you can order them from the Book Shop on this site which is linked to Amazon.com.