Suggestions on good commentaries?
Martin West’s 1966 Theogony Edited With Prolegomena And Commentary is extremely thorough - around 100 pages of prolegomena and 300 pages of commentary. It’s out of print and it’s impossible to get hold of a second hand copy for a reasonable price but pdfs are available online if you’re willing to misplace your scruples for a few minutes.
As Sean wrote, West’s edition with commentary is essential, and it’s a crime that it’s out of print. His commentary on the Works and Days is equally outstanding.
I managed to borrow the Works and Days commentary from our library system north of Boston, but West’s commentary on the Theogony, which I’m reading next, is nowhere to be found for less than 175.00 US at Abebooks.
I should say that this was first recommended to me by Hylander.
Excellent. I have West – the Philadelphia Classical Society does a book giveaway every year at our “professional day” meeting, and that was one I happened to grab.
Great news - you can read it, sell it second hand and retire on the proceeds!
I decided to follow your suggestion to Barry and augment my retirement plan by purchasing a copy of West’s commentary! As always, if you need me to look up what West thinks about your questions, I’ll be happy to oblige!