The novel "Imperial Greek epos" includes the works of Oppian of Cilicia, who flourished in the second half of the second century. Dedicated to Antoninus, likely Marcus Aurelius, the work "Fishing" (in five books) refers to the habits and characteristics of fish, providing instructions for fishing. Although it is not exactly poetic, it contains many interesting pieces of information.

The work "Hunting," dedicated to Caracalla, is an inferior composition and may even be a work of a Syrian imitator. The first book offers an appreciation of horses and hunting dogs, while the remaining three are devoted to the hunting of wild animals, from lions to hares.

This edition comes with extensive zoological and ichthyological commentary. The volume also includes the surviving works of two epic poets from Egypt who wrote in the second half of the fifth century under the influence of Nonnus. "The Abduction of Helen" by Coluthus in 394 lines offers a pleasant depiction of the Judgment of Paris and Helen's flight with him. Tryphiodorus (the papyri reveal the correct spelling Tryphiodorus) deals with "The Abduction of Troy" in 691 lines, beginning with the Wooden Horse and ending with the sacrifice of Polyxena.