BIBLIO is the largest independent book marketplace in the world, with over 100 million books.

Skip to content

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho Paperback - 2003

by Sappho; Anne Carson (Translator)

Add to wish list

The poetry book of the year, "If Not, Winter" irresistibly combines the ancient mysteries of Sappho with the contemporary wizardry of acclaimed poet and classicist Anne Carson in what is sure to become the standard translation of Sappho.

Summary

A bilingual edition of the work of the Greek poet Sappho, in a new translation by Anne Carson.Sappho lived on the island of Lesbos from about 630 b.c. She was a musical genius who devoted her life to composing and performing songs. Of the nine books of lyrics Sappho is said to have composed, none of the music is extant and only one poem has survived complete. All the rest are fragments. In If Not, Winter Carson presents all of Sappho's fragments in Greek and in English. Brackets and space give the reader a sense of what is absent as well as what is present on the papyrus. Carson's translation illuminates Sappho's reflections on love, desire, marriage, exile, cushions, bees, old age, shame, time, chickpeas and many other aspects of the human situation.From the Hardcover edition.

Reader reviews for If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho

Write a review for this book

There are no reviews for this book yet. Be the first to write a review!

Your review will be anonymous unless you login or create an account first.

Overall rating
Remember: You’re rating the book as a work, not the seller or the condition of the specific copy you purchased!

Important Terms and Guidelines

  • Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
  • Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
  • Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
  • This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
  • Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
  • Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
  • Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
  • Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
  • Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
  • Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information

From the publisher

In this "gorgeous translation" (The New York Times), one of our most fearless and original poets provides a tantalizing window onto the genius of a woman whose lyric power spans millennia.

Of the nine books of lyrics the ancient Greek poet Sappho is said to have composed, only one poem has survived complete. The rest are fragments. In this miraculous new translation, acclaimed poet and classicist Anne Carson presents all of Sappho's fragments, in Greek and in English, as if on the ragged scraps of papyrus that preserve them, inviting a thrill of discovery and conjecture that can be described only as electric--or, to use Sappho's words, as "thin fire ... racing under skin."

"Carson is in many ways [Sappho's] ideal translator.... Her command of language is hones to a perfect edge and her approach to the text, respectful yet imaginative, results in verse that lets Sappho shine forth." --Los Angeles Times

From the jacket flap

Of the nine books of lyrics the ancient Greek poet Sappho is said to have composed, only one poem has survived complete. The rest are fragments. In this miraculous new translation, acclaimed poet and classicist Anne Carson presents all of Sappho's fragments, in Greek and in English, as if on the ragged scraps of papyrus that preserve them, inviting a thrill of discovery and conjecture that can be described only as electric--or, to use Sappho's words, as "thin fire . . . racing under skin." By combining the ancient mysteries of Sappho with the contemporary wizardry of one of our most fearless and original poets, If Not, Winter provides a tantalizing window onto the genius of a woman whose lyric power spans millennia.

Details

  • Title If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho
  • Author Sappho; Anne Carson (Translator)
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 416
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Vintage, New York
  • Publication date 2003-08-12
  • Features Bibliography
  • ISBN 9780375724510 / 0375724516
  • Weight 0.69 lbs (0.31 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.11 x 5.21 x 0.92 in (20.60 x 13.23 x 2.34 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Ancient (To 499 A.D.)
    • Cultural Region: Greece
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
    • Topical: Women's Interest
  • Category Poetry
  • Library of Congress subjects Women - Greece, Sappho
  • Dewey Decimal Code 884.2

Excerpt

Fragment 22

]
]work
]face
]
]
if not, winter
]no pain
]
]I bid you sing
of Gongyla, Abanthis, taking up
your lyre as (now again) longing
floats around you.

you beauty. For her dress when you saw it
stirred you. And I rejoice.
In fact she herself once blamed me
Kyprogeneia

because I prayed
this word:
I want


Fragment 47
Eros shook my
mind like a mountain wind falling on oak trees


Fragment 52

I would not think to touch the sky with two arms


Fragment 56

not one girl I think
who looks on the light of the sun
will ever
have wisdom
like this

Fragment 147


someone will remember us
I say
even in another time


Fragment 162

with what eyes?

Media reviews

“[Sappho’s] verse has been elevated to new heights in [this] gorgeous translation.” —The New York Times

 “This Sappho is whispering in our ear in a language we can understand.” —Time Out New York

“Carson is in many ways [Sappho’s] ideal translator. . . . Her command of language is honed to a perfect edge and her approach to the text, respectful yet imaginative, results in verse that lets Sappho shine forth.” —Los Angeles Times

“A selfless, faithful, and boldly delicate achievement.” —Boston Review



Citations

  • Women's Review of Books, 01/01/2004, Page 8

About the author

ANNE CARSON was born in Canada and has been a professor of Classics for over thirty years. Her awards and honors include the Lannan Award, the Pushcart Prize, the Griffin Trust Award for Excellence in Poetry, and fellowships from the Guggenheim and MacArthur Foundations.
Back to top↑

More Copies for Sale

Show all copies
If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
1
Seller
St. Vinnie's Charitable Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$14.13
A$5.81 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Vintage. Used - Good. BOOK HAS AN EMBOSSED STAMP IN IT WITH PREVIOUS OWNER'S NAME...EXTERIOR PAGE EDGES HAVE SOME STAINING AND/OR SMUDGING ON THEM BUT BOOK REMAINS IN GOOD READABLE CONDITION. paperback 100% of proceeds go to charity! Good condition with all pages in tact. Item shows signs of use and may have cosmetic defects.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$14.13
A$5.81 Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter

by Anne Carson,

  • New
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
5
Seller
GreatBookPrices
Item price
A$19.66
A$5.81 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
new.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$19.66
A$5.81 Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • New
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
45
Seller
Ambis Enterprises LLC
Item price
A$19.67
A$5.81 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Vintage. New. BRAND NEW, GIFT QUALITY! NOT OVERSTOCKS OR MARKED UP REMAINDERS! DIRECT FROM THE PUBLISHER!
Add to wish list
Item price
A$19.67
A$5.81 Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Like New. Used book that is in almost brand-new condition. May contain a remainder mark. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
8
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter : Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$25.47
Free Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
1
Seller
Ausvora INC
Item price
A$29.10
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Vintage. paperback. Good. 9.5X6.5X1.5. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$29.10
Free Delivery to USA
If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho
Stock photo: cover may vary

If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho

by Sappho

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Edition
Reprint
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780375724510 / 0375724516
Quantity available
6
Seller
Ergodebooks
Item price
A$29.49
A$21.86 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Vintage, 2003-08-12. Reprint. paperback. New. 5.18x0.89x7.97. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$29.49
A$21.86 Delivery to USA
Show all copies
Back to top↑

Please wait a moment while we load the requested page.