Structures of Epic Poetry


Book Description

This compendium (4 vols.) studies the continuity, flexibility, and variation of structural elements in epic narratives. It provides an overview of the structural patterns of epic poetry by means of a standardized, stringent terminology. Both diachronic developments and changes within individual epics are scrutinized in order to provide a comprehensive structural approach and a key to intra- and intertextual characteristics of ancient epic poetry.




Canadiana


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Canadian Theses


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Virgil, Aeneid 8


Book Description

This volume provides the first full-scale commentary on the eighth book of Virgil’s Aeneid, the book in which the poet presents the unforgettable tour of the site of the future Rome that the Arcadian Evander provides for his Trojan guest Aeneas, as well as the glorious apparition and bestowal of the mystical, magical shield of Vulcan on which the great events of the future Roman history are presented – culminating in the Battle of Actium and the victory of Octavian over the forces of Antony and Cleopatra. A critical text based on a fresh examination of the manuscript tradition is accompanied by a prose translation.




Roman Epic


Book Description

The author's approach to Roman epic is interpretative; the reader is invited to study a choice of typical texts, from the beginnings to the end of Antiquity. Famous poets are given the attention they deserve, but also some minor authors are discovered as precious 'missing links' between the ages. Special heed is paid to intertextual relationships between different epochs, cultures, literary genres, linguistic and literary patterns. The book is meant for students and teachers of classical and modern literatures, but also for all those interested in the history of literary genres and cultural ideas.







Daniel Heinsius, Auriacus, sive Libertas saucia (Orange, or Liberty Wounded), 1602


Book Description

This is the first edition since its original publication of Daniel Heinsius’ Latin tragedy Auriacus, sive Libertas saucia (Orange, or Liberty Wounded, 1602), with an introduction, a parallel English translation, and a commentary. Centering on the assassination of William of Orange, one of the leaders of the Dutch Revolt against King Philip II of Spain, Auriacus was Heinsius’ history drama, with which he aimed to raise Dutch drama to the level of classical drama. Highly influential, the tragedy contributed to the construction of a national identity in the Low Countries and launched Heinsius’ long career as an internationally celebrated poet and professor at Leiden University.




Martial, Book VII. A Commentary


Book Description

This volume is the first comprehensive commentary on the seventh book of Martial's epigrams. The introduction discusses the date of publication of Martial’s books, the themes of the epigrams of book seven as well as the transmission of the text. The autor pays special attention to the adulation of Domitian in book seven, the satirization of lawyers, legacy-hunters, parasites and dinner-guests, and hetero- and homosexuality. The commentary, preceded by a revised edition of Shackleton Bailey’s Teubner edition (1990), focuses on literary, linguistic and metrical matters. Thematic relationships with other books of Martial and other Greek and Latin literature are highlighted. Attention is also paid to the use of recurrent motifs, obscene language, puns, double meanings and proper names.




Caves and the Ancient Greek Mind


Book Description

Caves and the Ancient Greek Mind analyses techniques of searching for ultimate wisdom in ancient Greece. The Greeks perceived mental experiences of exceptional intensity as resulting from divine intervention. They believed that to share in the immortals' knowledge, one had to liberate the soul from the burden of the mortal body by attaining an altered state of consciousness, that is, by merging with a superhuman being or through possession by a deity. These states were often attained by inspired mediums, `impresarios of the gods' - prophets, poets, and sages - who descended into caves or underground chambers. Yulia Ustinova juxtaposes ancient testimonies with the results of modern neuropsychological research. This novel approach enables an examination of religious phenomena not only from the outside, but also from the inside: it penetrates the consciousness of people who were engaged in the vision quest, and demonstrates that the darkness of the caves provided conditions vital for their activities.




Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature


Book Description

Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature represents a formidable assembly of some of the most pivotal figures and texts that have shaped the Western literary tradition. This anthology traverses an expansive terrain of themes - from the philosophical musings and stoic reflections in Senecas works to the epic narratives of Virgil, and the keen satirical voices of Juvenal and Persius. The collection highlights a stunning array of literary styles, from the eloquent orations of Cicero to the intricate verse of Catullus and the potent histories penned by Tacitus and Sallust. Such diversity not only underscores the richness of Roman literature but also provides readers with a comprehensive insight into the ancient world's complexities and contradictions. The anthology encapsulates the evolution of Roman thought, presenting works that reflect upon love, power, ethics, and the human condition, making it an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The contributing authors, ranging from poets and philosophers to historians and statesmen, bring with them not just their literary talents but also a mosaic of backgrounds that illuminate the socio-political and cultural tapestry of ancient Rome. These figures were instrumental in heralding significant literary and intellectual movements, offering insights into everything from the decadence of the late Roman Republic to the philosophical inquiries of the Empires twilight. The anthology effectively captures the zeitgeist of an era that is at once ancient and remarkably resonant with contemporary themes, bridging millennia through the enduring relevance of its subjects. Together, these works and authors exemplify the height of Roman literary achievement and its lasting influence on subsequent generations. Yale Classics - Roman Classical Literature is essential reading for anyone seeking a deep and varied exploration of Roman intellectual and cultural life. This anthology is not just a testament to the historical importance of Roman literature but also an invitation to engage with the timeless questions and narratives that continue to captivate the modern imagination. Offering both breadth and depth, it promises to enrich ones understanding of not only the Roman world but also the enduring human themes that connect us across time. Scholars, students, and general readers alike will find in this collection a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Roman thought, brought to life by some of historys most influential voices.