Blackwell Introductions to the Classical World – serie

This accessible one-volume survey of the literature of Greece and Rome covers the period between Homer around 700 BC and Augustine around AD 410. Highlights what is important historically and of continuing interest and value in classical literature.An introduction by the editor presents essential information in a concise, accessible way.Each chapter focuses on a particular genre or area of literature.This structure allows readers to see continuities between different periods and to move easily between the Greek and Roman worlds.Includes extensive quotations in English.A timeline and an index of authors help to make the material as accessible as possible.

This accessible one-volume survey of the literature of Greece and Rome covers the period between Homer around 700 BC and Augustine around AD 410. Highlights what is important historically and of continuing interest and value in classical literature.An introduction by the editor presents essential information in a concise, accessible way.Each chapter focuses on a particular genre or area of literature.This structure allows readers to see continuities between different periods and to move easily between the Greek and Roman worlds.Includes extensive quotations in English.A timeline and an index of authors help to make the material as accessible as possible.

This concise book is an ideal introduction to Homer – the poet and his two great epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Student-friendly introduction to Homer. Provides historical background and literary readings of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Makes use of the author’s own original research. Assumes no prior knowledge of Greek.

This book introduces readers to the ancient rhetorical tradition by investigating key questions about the origins, nature and importance of rhetoric. Explores the role of the orator, especially the two greatest figures of the tradition, Demosthenes and CiceroInvestigates the place of rhetoric at the center of ancient educationConsiders the role of rhetoric since the end of antiquity.Includes a glossary of proper names and technical terms; a chronological table of political events, authors, orators, and rhetorical works; and suggestions for further reading.

This book introduces readers to the ancient rhetorical tradition by investigating key questions about the origins, nature and importance of rhetoric. Explores the role of the orator, especially the two greatest figures of the tradition, Demosthenes and CiceroInvestigates the place of rhetoric at the center of ancient educationConsiders the role of rhetoric since the end of antiquity.Includes a glossary of proper names and technical terms; a chronological table of political events, authors, orators, and rhetorical works; and suggestions for further reading.

Ancient Epic offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to six of the greatest ancient epics – Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Vergil's Aeneid, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Apollonius of Rhodes' Agonautica. Provides an accessible introduction to the ancient epicOffers interpretive analyses of poems within a comprehensive historical contextIncludes a detailed timeline, suggestions for further readings, and an appendix of the Olympian gods and their Akkadian counterparts

Catullus is one of the liveliest and most appealing Roman poets. His emotion, charm, and apparent spontaneity resonate with readers as strongly today as in antiquity. This sophisticated literary and historical introduction brings Catullus to life for the modern reader and presents his poetry in all its variety of emotions, subjects, and styles. Places Catullus in a social, historical, and literary contextExamines Catallus's style and subjects, and provides a literary introduction to his major themes of love, social life, and politicsDiscusses the reception of the poems by translators and interpreters

Roman Historiography: An Introduction to its Basic Aspects and Development presents a comprehensive introduction to the development of Roman historical writings in both Greek and Latin, from the early annalists to Orosius and Procopius of Byzantium. Provides an accessible survey of every historical writer of significance in the Roman worldTraces the growth of Christian historiography under the influence of its pagan adversariesOffers valuable insight into current scholarly trends on Roman historiographyIncludes a user-friendly bibliography, catalog of authors and editions, and indexSelected by Choice as a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title

This book introduces students to the chief disciplines, methods and sources employed in 'doing' ancient history, as opposed to 'reading' it. The book: Encourages readers to engage with historical sources, rather than to be passive recipients of historical tales Gives readers a sense of the nature of evidence and its use in the reconstruction of the past Helps them to read a historical narrative with more critical appreciation Encourages them to consider the differences between their own experience of ancient sources, and the use of these objects within the everyday life of ancient society A concise bibliographical essay at the end of each chapter refers to introductions, indices, research tools and interpretations, and explains scholarly jargon Written clearly, concisely and concretely, invoking ancient illustrations and modern parallels as appropriate.

This book introduces students to the chief disciplines, methods and sources employed in 'doing' ancient history, as opposed to 'reading' it. The book: Encourages readers to engage with historical sources, rather than to be passive recipients of historical tales Gives readers a sense of the nature of evidence and its use in the reconstruction of the past Helps them to read a historical narrative with more critical appreciation Encourages them to consider the differences between their own experience of ancient sources, and the use of these objects within the everyday life of ancient society A concise bibliographical essay at the end of each chapter refers to introductions, indices, research tools and interpretations, and explains scholarly jargon Written clearly, concisely and concretely, invoking ancient illustrations and modern parallels as appropriate.

This compact and critically up-to-date introduction to Roman satire examines the development of the genre, focusing particularly on the literary and social functionality of satire. It considers why it was important to the Romans and why it still matters. Provides a compact and critically up-to-date introduction to Roman satire.Focuses on the development and function of satire in literary and social contexts.Takes account of recent critical approaches.Keeps the uninitiated reader in mind, presuming no prior knowledge of the subject.Introduces each satirist in his own historical time and place – including the masters of Roman satire, Lucilius, Horace, Persius, and Juvenal.Facilitates comparative and intertextual discussion of different satirists.

Catullus is one of the liveliest and most appealing Roman poets. His emotion, charm, and apparent spontaneity resonate with readers as strongly today as in antiquity. This sophisticated literary and historical introduction brings Catullus to life for the modern reader and presents his poetry in all its variety of emotions, subjects, and styles. Places Catullus in a social, historical, and literary contextExamines Catallus's style and subjects, and provides a literary introduction to his major themes of love, social life, and politicsDiscusses the reception of the poems by translators and interpreters

Greek Tragedy sets ancient tragedy into its original theatrical, political and ritual context and applies modern critical approaches to understanding why tragedy continues to interest modern audiences. An engaging introduction to Greek tragedy, its history, and its reception in the contemporary world with suggested readings for further studyExamines tragedy’s relationship to democracy, religion, and mythExplores contemporary approaches to scholarship, including structuralist, psychoanalytic, and feminist theoryProvides a thorough examination of contemporary performance practicesIncludes detailed readings of selected plays

Greek Tragedy sets ancient tragedy into its original theatrical, political and ritual context and applies modern critical approaches to understanding why tragedy continues to interest modern audiences. An engaging introduction to Greek tragedy, its history, and its reception in the contemporary world with suggested readings for further studyExamines tragedy’s relationship to democracy, religion, and mythExplores contemporary approaches to scholarship, including structuralist, psychoanalytic, and feminist theoryProvides a thorough examination of contemporary performance practicesIncludes detailed readings of selected plays

Roman Historiography: An Introduction to its Basic Aspects and Development presents a comprehensive introduction to the development of Roman historical writings in both Greek and Latin, from the early annalists to Orosius and Procopius of Byzantium. Provides an accessible survey of every historical writer of significance in the Roman worldTraces the growth of Christian historiography under the influence of its pagan adversariesOffers valuable insight into current scholarly trends on Roman historiographyIncludes a user-friendly bibliography, catalog of authors and editions, and indexSelected by Choice as a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title

This book provides a unique and accessible introduction to the complete works of Ovid. Using a thematic approach, Volk lays out what we know about Ovid's life, presents the author's works within their poetic genres, and discusses central Ovidian themes. The first general introduction to Ovid written in English in over 20 years, offering the very latest Ovidian scholarshipDiscusses the complete works of OvidAccessible writing and a thematic approach make this text ideal for a broad audienceA current revival in Ovid makes this timely edition highly valuable

This volume provides an accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date survey of the ancient Greek genre of historical writing from its origins before Herodotus to the Greek historians of the Roman imperial era, seven centuries later. Focuses on the themes of power and human nature, causation, divine justice, leadership, civilization versus barbarism, legacy, and literary receptionIncludes thorough summaries alongside textual analysis that signpost key passages and highlight thematic connections, helping readers navigate their way through the original textsSituates historical writing among the forms of epic and lyric poetry, drama, philosophy, and scienceUses the best current translations and includes a detailed list of further reading that includes important new scholarship

This concise book is a complete and contemporary introduction to Homer and his two master-works, the Iliad and the Odyssey. It explains the “Homeric Question,” illuminating its current status, and critiques the literary qualities of the Iliad and the Odyssey, analyzing and contrasting their plotting, narrative technique, and characterization. Provides historical background and literary readings of The Iliad and The Odyssey New to the second edition: a section on Homer’s reception in ancient Greece; a chapter on Homer and archaeology; additional maps; an updated bibliography; a glossary of key terms; and information on the oral composition of the poems Text is updated throughout Assumes no prior knowledge of Greek

This concise book is a complete and contemporary introduction to Homer and his two master-works, the Iliad and the Odyssey. It explains the “Homeric Question,” illuminating its current status, and critiques the literary qualities of the Iliad and the Odyssey, analyzing and contrasting their plotting, narrative technique, and characterization. Provides historical background and literary readings of The Iliad and The Odyssey New to the second edition: a section on Homer’s reception in ancient Greece; a chapter on Homer and archaeology; additional maps; an updated bibliography; a glossary of key terms; and information on the oral composition of the poems Text is updated throughout Assumes no prior knowledge of Greek

Ancient Epic offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to six of the greatest ancient epics – Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Vergil's Aeneid, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and Apollonius of Rhodes' Agonautica. Provides an accessible introduction to the ancient epicOffers interpretive analyses of poems within a comprehensive historical contextIncludes a detailed timeline, suggestions for further readings, and an appendix of the Olympian gods and their Akkadian counterparts

VIRGIL “A truly useful introduction to Vergil and his poetry. Smith combines up-to-date information on the issues with an intelligent and well-written assessment. Highly recommended.” Karl Galinsky, University of Texas at Austin “For the newcomer to Virgil, this book will be a welcome introduction to the poet’s works and their reception by critics, artists, and scholars through the centuries.” Peter E. Knox, University of Colorado, Boulder Incorporating the most up-to-date classical scholarship, Virgilian scholar R. Alden Smith presents a comprehensive introduction to Virgil’s literary works and narrative technique. In addition to exploring the historical milieu, this book considers the reception of Virgil’s works, citing examples from painting, sculpture, and drama. After analyzing Virgil’s three major works – the Eclogues, Georgics, and the great national epic of Rome, the Aeneid – Smith addresses other key topics, including the manuscript tradition and various problems associated with establishment of the text. Virgil’s legacy, including his influence on subsequent Latin poetry and later literary figures (e.g., Dante, Camões, Milton) is also a feature of this study. Combining scholarly rigor and an accessible writing style, Smith offers an insightful introduction to Virgil and the world in which he lived.