The Works of Lucian of Samosata (Vol. 1-4)

The Works of Lucian of Samosata is a four-volume collection showcasing the wit and satire of the ancient Greek luminary, Lucian. Renowned for his distinctive style, Lucian takes readers on a journey through a world where superstition, religious practices, and the paranormal are subject to his incisive and humorous commentary. Volume 1: Divine Ridicule - Explore the fantastical and humorous landscapes of Lucian's imagination, from the mythical Prometheus on Caucasus to engaging Dialogues of the Gods and the whimsical Dialogues of the Sea-Gods. Dive into the afterlife with the Dialogues of the Dead and embark on Menippus's satirical adventures. Volume 2: Scholarly Satire - Delve into Lucian's scholarly musings with essays such as The Dependent Scholar, The True History challenging historical narratives, and Lexiphanes, a witty critique of pompous language and verbosity. Volume 3: Dialogues and Discourses - Encounter the life of Demonax, explore philosophical dialogues like Toxaris, and witness humorous examinations of gods like Zeus Cross-Examined and Zeus Tragoedus. Enjoy a range of topics from physical training to the art of mourning and an appreciation of the whimsical fly. Volume 4: Satirical Banquet - Conclude this literary feast with Lucian's satirical pieces, including Slander, Patriotism, and a warning against the Thirst-snake, Dipsas. Engage with Lucian's thought-provoking Dialogues of the Hetaerae and immerse yourself in the festive and satirical atmosphere of Saturnalia. Lucian's unparalleled insights and humorous narratives make this collection an enduring exploration of the human experience, transcending time and continuing to captivate readers with its timeless wit.

Lucian of Samosata (c. 125 - after 180) was an ancient Greek satirist, rhetorician and pamphleteer who is best known for his characteristic tongue-in-cheek style, with which he frequently ridiculed superstition, religious practices, and belief in the paranormal. All of his extant works are written entirely in ancient Greek (mostly in the Attic Greek dialect popular during the Second Sophistic period).