Alexander William Mair (1875–1928) was a Scottish classical scholar, Professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh. He produced the Loeb Classical Library editions of Callimachus, Lycophron, and Aratus — Hellenistic poets whose technical virtuosity and allusive style presented particular challenges for translation. His brother Gilbert Rogers Mair produced the companion Loeb of Oppian, Colluthus, and Tryphiodorus.
Mair's Loeb editions present Hellenistic Greek poetry with facing English translations. Following Loeb convention, the Greek text is based on existing critical editions. For Callimachus, R. Pfeiffer's monumental edition (1949–1953) now provides the standard critical text. For Aratus, D. Kidd's edition and commentary (1997) represents the most thorough modern treatment. Mair's translations remain useful for their accuracy and his introductions provide helpful context for these demanding poets.
A. W. Mair (Loeb Classical Library)
Mair's own eclectic text for the Loeb Classical Library.
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