Classical Myth and Literature in Parody

Ancient and Modern

Inbunden, Engelska, 2026

1 470 kr

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Beskrivning

This book examines the evolution of classical parody, from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome to its resurgence in modern times. The book explores two key periods: the first from the sixth century BCE to the second century CE, and the second beginning in the 17th century, continuing today. In antiquity, writers like Aristophanes and Lucian parodied their own culture, relying on audiences' deep knowledge of Greek and Roman texts. This “insider” parody faded with the rise of Christianity and changes in language.The second era of classical parody emerged during the Renaissance, as classical texts were rediscovered and studied in schools. Writers like Charles Cotton in England created “outsider” parody, mocking ancient literature learned in the classroom. This book focuses on English-language works, including The Comic Latin Grammar and Victorian burlesque theatre, which drew on classical mythology and history. The book also addresses the social and educational changes that shaped classical parody, such as the invention of the printing press and the influence of Renaissance humanism. It is the first comprehensive study of anglophone classical parody, revealing how authors through the centuries have reimagined and distorted classical texts for humorous effect.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum:2026-07-09
Mått:156 x 234 x 28 mm
Vikt:503 g
Format:Inbunden
Språk:Engelska
Antal sidor:296
Förlag:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN:9781350548039

Utforska kategorier

Dramatik inom Skönlitteratur

Mer om författaren

William Hansen is Professor Emeritus of Classical Studies and Folklore at Indiana University, USA.

Recensioner i media

A welcome survey of Greek and Roman, medieval, and English parody with texts from each period. Hansen provides well-informed introductions to the genre, the periods, the authors and the texts. This book can be read with pleasure from the beginning or consulted on particular authors or works.

Innehållsförteckning

List of IllustrationsPrefaceAcknowledgementsList of AbbreviationsIntroduction PART I. CLASSICAL PARODY IN ANTIQUITY1. Aristophanes, Scenes from Old Comedy2. Matron of Pitane, Attic Dinner-Party3. Pseudo-Homer, Battle of the Frogs and Mice 4. Plautus, Amphitruo 5. Ovid, Metamorphoses 6. Lucian of Samosata, Gout and A True Story, plus Lucian's Hoaxes7. Visual ParodiesExcursus 1INTERMEZZO8. Medieval Latin Parody9. Byzantine ParodyExcursus 2PART II. THE REINVENTION OF CLASSICAL PARODY 10. Classical Parody Redivivus11. [Charles Cotton], Scarronides: or, Virgil Travestie. A Mock Poem on the First and Fourth Books of Virgil’s Æneis, in English, Burlesque 12. [Jonathan Swift], Baucis and Philemon; A Poem. On the ever lamented Loss of the two Yew-Trees, in the Parish of Chilthorne, Near the County Town of Somerset 13. [Thomas Bridges], A Burlesque Translation of Homer 14. Musical Theatre15. Mock Textbooks16. Anonymous, “Carmen Possum” 17. A. E. Housman, “Fragment of a Greek Tragedy”PART III. CLASSICAL PARODY TODAY18. Maurice Baring, Unreliable History 19. W. C. Sellar and R. J. Yeatman, And Now All This 20. Will Cuppy, The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody 21. Richard Armour, The Classics Reclassified22. John Bailey, “Holp!” 23. Regius Professor of Greek, “A Note on the Use of the Strong Aorist Optative Passive of p???? by Attic Poets of the Middle and New Comedies”24. William Hansen, “The Structural Study of Myth, or Oedipus at the Sorbonne” 25. Anonymous, “A Warm, Fuzzy Story”26. Light VerseOverviewBibliographyIndex