Phlegon of Tralles' Book of Marvels

Not only does this book contain a good translation of Phlegon's Book of Marvels, but Hansen has also added translations of fragments of two other works by Phlegon, Olympiads (recounting the foundation of the Olympic Games), and Long-Lived Persons (which uses Roman census documents). As such we get a truly representative feel for the literary output of this Greek freedman which certainly seems to have had an eager market . . . Hanson's commentary is superb. Each section is sanely analysed, with references to the Greek vocabulary chosen, parallel versions and their differences, and helpful modern bibliography. The commentary makes interesting reading and reminds one of how immensely popular such collections were in the early empire. * Classical Review, Vol. XIIX, no 2. *
Characteristic of Hansen's work is not only that he places Phlegon's efforts in the context of the literature of the Roman empire, but also that he compares the reports by this author with similar miraculous reports from later, even modern times. . . Hansen has put us in his debt by making this neglected material accessible in such a convenient way. * Mnemosyne, Vol. LII *
Within the relics of paradoxography, the fragments of Phlegon of Tralleis, a freedman of the emperor Hadrian, are untypical and, for that very reason, of uncommon interest. William Hansen has done a valuable service in placing them within easy reach of the Greekless reader or student toiling in either of the neighbouring fields…anyone who needs to know about Phlegon has no hesitation in acquiring this handsomely produced and reasonably priced book…It is exactly the kind of resource needed to introduce students to the intriguing margins of ancient historiography. * Histos *
Hansen's edition of the Phlegon fragments offers a good introduction to this author specifically but more generally allows us an insight into the under-valued and under-studied genre of paradoxography in antiquity. * Scholia Reviews, 8.7 *
Some books have a headstart in being welcome simply for their existence and Hansen's text and accompaniments belong in that category. * Classical Review *
At a time when the study of marginality is popular, this book gives insight into ancient forerunners of the literary freak-show . . . The delight in the violation of the natural order in 'he Book of Marvels'is kept within decent bounds by the sense that, although inexplicable, the monstrous can be deciphered, often to the benefit of the community. * Times Literary Supplement *