Interview with Jeffrey Henderson, General Editor of the Loeb Classical Library

In recent years many new translations of the classics have appeared; what's special about the Loebs?
Mainly their trustworthiness and staying power. Loeb translators are leading experts on the works they translate, and also edit the original texts that face their translations; the presence of the originals ensures fidelity and gives readers immediate access to the author's own words. And since Loeb volumes stay in print, they are always available and can be periodically corrected, updated or replaced, and otherwise improved.

How do you use the Loebs in teaching?
Loebs used to be frowned on in the days when students were expected to translate Latin and Greek themselves, but in recent decades the number of students who study classics in translation has greatly increased. Loebs are ideal for these students: the translations are faithful and accurate, and in some cases the only ones available; instructors can easily refer to the original texts (and also pique the students' interest in learning Latin and Greek); and the price is quite competitive, especially considering the quality of the bound and beautifully printed books. As for students of Latin and Greek, Loebs provide reliable, and in many cases the best available, texts, again at a very affordable cost.

What's new about the new translations?
Our chief aim is to keep the translations current both with contemporary English and with the latest editorial improvements in the original texts. We are also committed to the straightforward translation of the sort of material that until the late 1960s had to be expurgated, as required by law and then-prevalent cultural norms. Since the late 1960s this has been Loeb policy, and even today straightforward English translations of many of the racier classics can only be found in the Loeb series.

How is the study of the classics currently faring?
Very well: the general decline of language study in the 70s and 80s began to reverse itself in the 90s, and today enrollments in Greek and especially in Latin are very healthy, even at the secondary level, and there has been a huge increase in the numbers of students studying the classics in translation, in civilization, literature, and history courses. The general public has regained its interest, too, as is evident from the shelves of the chain bookstores and the ancient-world offerings on public and cable television. These developments are driving the remarkable current production of new translations.

How do you see the series advancing in the next decade as it approaches its centennial?
Our established and expanding readership has positioned us to accelerate the production of new and revised volumes, both old favorites and lesser-known titles. Historians, novelists, popular and philosophical authors are among our priorities.

What role, as editor, do you have in bringing new books into the Library and in calling for new translations? I work with the Trustees and the Press in deciding to do a new volume and identifying the ideal author, who is then approached by the Executive Trustee; we don't invite volunteers, and don't do a new volume unless the right author can be found. I then work with the author to devise the best strategy for that particular project; each text has its own unique character, and our volumes are designed to bring that out.

What do you think is the most humorous LCL volume?
Well, I'd have to say Volume 3 of the new Aristophanes, though people who like their wit a bit quieter might try a volume of Martial, or the Greek Anthology.

What volume speaks to you most in the new 21st century?
Herodotus, among his other great qualities, first chronicled and tried to understand the strife between eastern and western cultures, and reading him in light of the latest recurrence of this strife provides a fascinating historical and human perspective.