The Love of Daphnis and Chloe (2nd century C.E.) is an ancient Greek
romance novel by Longus. Set on Lesbos, it is a classic story of love
set in a recognizably pastoral setting. An important early novel and a
landmark in the development of Western literature, The Love of Daphnis
and Chloe has inspired and influenced such wide-ranging artists as
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Allan Ramsay, Marc Chagall, Colette, and Yukio
Mishima.
Abandoned at birth, Daphnis is raised by a goatherd named Lamon on the
island of Lesbos. Chloe, likewise abandoned, is raised by Dryas, a
nearby shepherd. Living and working in the fields of their native land,
the two become fast friends, frequently spending time together while
herding their respective flocks. As they fall in love, with no model for
romantic affection, Daphnis and Chloe struggle to understand their
mutual feeling. Seeking the guidance of a wise cowherd, they are advised
to share a kiss with one another, for only a kiss will cure their
growing sickness. All too trusting, they follow the cowherd's
instruction, only to be plunged into deeper desire. Still unsure of how
to show his affection, Daphnis journeys to the city, where an older
woman educates him in the ways of love. Meanwhile, Chloe is kidnapped
and taken to a faraway kingdom. Fearing the worst, Daphnis embarks on a
journey to save her, facing pirates, pitfalls, and countless other
dangers on his way. The Love of Daphnis and Chloe is not only a
groundbreaking work of prose fiction, but a widely adapted model of
classical romance that continues to be read and appreciated nearly two
millennia after its publication.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Longus's The Love of Daphnis and Chloe is a classic of
ancient Greek literature reimagined for modern readers.
