By merging the ancient secrets of Sappho with the contemporary magic of one of our most fearless and original poets, "If Not, Winter" offers an enticing glimpse into the genius of a woman whose lyrical power has endured for millennia. Of the nine books of poetry attributed to the ancient Greek poet Sappho, only one poem has survived in its entirety. The rest are fragments. In this wonderful new translation, the celebrated poet and classicist Anne Carson presents all of Sappho's fragments, both in Greek and English, as if they were written on the tattered papyrus pieces that preserve them. This invites an exhilarating sense of discovery and speculation that can only be described as electrifying—or, to use Sappho's words, as "thin fire." Sappho's verses have been elevated to new heights in this beautiful translation. Carson is in many ways Sappho's ideal translator. Her sense of language is finely honed, and her respectful yet imaginative approach to the text results in verses that make Sappho shine.