Precious fragments of ancient song. The five volumes of the Latin Library edition contain the surviving fragments of solo and choral song. This poetry was not preserved in medieval manuscripts, and very few complete poems remain. Later writers copied from the poets, but only what served their purposes; these quotations are supplemented by texts from papyrus found in Egypt, most of which are damaged. The high quality of the preserved material makes us realize the extent of our loss.

Volume I presents Sappho and Alcaeus. Volume II contains the work of Anacreon, composer of solo songs; the Anacreontea; and the earliest writers of choral poetry, particularly the Spartans Alcmann and Terpander of the 7th century. Stesichorus, Ibycus, Simonides, and other 6th-century poets are included in Volume III. Bacchylides and other poets of the 5th century are in Volume IV along with Corinna (although some argue that she belongs to the 3rd century). Volume V contains the new school of poets who were active from the mid-5th to the mid-4th century, and also gathers folk songs, drinking songs, hymns, and other anonymous pieces.