W. W. Tarn – författare

In “the Hellenistic Age and History of Civilization,” J.B. Bury discusses important advances made in mathematics, astronomy, and geography; the pattern of the hellenization of Rome; and changing Greek ideas of barbarianism and cosmopolitanism.E. A. Barber’s essay, “Alexandrian Literature,” deals with the characteristic styles of the period, Alexandrian poetry, and the new prose forms. Besides the scientific and learned writing it is known for, Professor Barber demonstrates, the age produced much popular satiric and moralizing poetry, realistic mime, epigrams, and parodies.As the system of the city states declined, increasing social instability fostered the rise of a number of popular philosophies. In another chapter, Edwyn Bevan outlines the similarities and differences between the Platonic, Peripatetic, Stoic, Epicurean, Sceptic, and Cynic schools and the effect of Christianity on their society.W. W. Tarn’s “The Social Question in the Third Century” examines the conditions that led to revolution in the century after Alexander. The author describes the economic disturbances leading to the polarization of classes, and assesses the phases of social revolution as exemplified in the uprisings at Sparta.

Sir William Woodthorpe Tarn (1869-1957) was a British ancient historian who wrote numerous works on the Hellenistic world. Tarn's Alexander the Great, first published in two volumes during 1948, has become a classic text and its importance for subsequent Alexander studies can hardly be exaggerated. Based on a lifetime's work and elegantly and persuasively written, both volumes evoked immediate admiration - and very soon sharp reaction. Volume I presents a 'compendious' narrative of Alexander's life and achievements; volume II focuses on providing a detailed analysis of sources and discussion relating to key historical cruces. This is a fascinating work that will be of value to anyone with an interest in the writings of Tarn, ancient history and Alexander the Great.

Tarn's Alexander the Great, first published in 1948, has become a classic and its importance for subsequent Alexander studies can hardly be exaggerated. Based on a lifetime's work and elegantly and persuasively written, both volumes evoked immediate admiration - and very soon sharp reaction. Little has in fact appeared on Alexander over the last thirty years that has not been directly related to Tarn's book. Especially Volume II, with its detailed analysis of the sources and discussion of the main historical cruces - such as Cleitarchus' date, the status of the Greek cities, Alexander's deification, his supposed plans for a world-kingdom and the famous thesis that he sought to realise the 'brotherhood of mankind' - has itself inspired scores of books and articles. For the scholar both volumes are indispensable and their re-appearance is to be warmly welcomed.