In her work “Bitter-Sweet Eros,” Ann Carson created an insightful lyrical-philosophical essay that has become a modern classic and was recognized as one of the 100 best popular nonfiction books by Modern Library. This debut instantly established Carson as one of the leading researchers of ancient culture; now it is also available in Russian. The book explores themes of love, lyricism, eroticism, and philosophy in ancient Greek literature, breathing life into forgotten lines by such authors as Sappho, Longus, Heliodorus, Aeschylus, Plato, and other great names of the past. “Bitter-Sweet Eros” offers deep reflection on the complex nature of romantic love, which can be both a source of suffering and one of the greatest pleasures in life.