The Art and Thought of Heraclitus: An Edition of the Fragments with Translation and Commentary

Behind the superficial obscurity of what fragments we have of Heraclitus' thought, Professor Kahn claims that it is possible to detect a systematic view of human existence, a theory of language which sees ambiguity as a device for the expression of multiple meaning, and a vision of human life and death within the larger order of nature. The fragments are presented here in a readable order; translation and commentary aim to make accessible the power and originality of a systematic thinker and a great master of artistic prose. The commentary locates Heraclitus within the tradition of early Greek thought, but stresses the importance of his ideas for topical theories of language, literature and philosophy. Following an introduction setting the historical and intellectual background, Professor Kahn presents the Greek text of the fragments with a translation on facing pages. The bulk of the book consists of a commentary which deals with each fragment in turn while relating it to the others, to the literary background and to Heraclitus' thought as a whole. Here Greek is given in transliteration to make easier reading for the non-specialist. This is primarily a book for students of philosophy but it is hoped it will be of interest to all students of comparative literature and thought. Scholars will enjoy Professor Kahn's brave attempts to restore to Heraclitus the idea of a cosmic holocaust now usually denied him... Students will be grateful for good advice on how to read Heraclitus and for many comments on fragments which pack the essential points into a small space. The general reader will find helpful the new arrangement and the translating with facing text, preceded as they are by an excellent introduction... The Art and Thought of heraclitus will take its place as a standard work on its author.' The Times Literary Supplement