Posidonius 2 Volume Hardback Set: Volume 2, The Commentary (Cambridge Classical Texts and Commentaries, Series Number 14) - Hardcover

Posidonius

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521354994 ISBN 13: 9780521354998

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1989

Synopsis

This book is a commentary on the surviving testimonia and fragments of Posidonius' work collected in Volume I of this edition (Edelstein/Kidd, CUP, 1972). Posidonius was one of the most important philosophers and intellectuals writing in the first century BC Graeco-Roman world. The purpose of this commentary is to assess the fragmentary evidence and reports of Posidonius found in the writings of about sixty ancient authors, and to separate what Posidonius himself actually said from the interpretations and distortions of his reporters. Since Posidonius also wrote at length on the sciences and on geography, and composed a large History, Kidd assesses his work against the philosophical, scientific, and historical writings of Posidonius' predecessors and contemporaries. Each fragment is explored through detailed examination of its context, philosophical and scientific content, and its relationship to Posidonius' whole thought and to contemporary ideas. This commentary proved too long for one volume and thus is issued in two separate books, which are available only as a set.

About this title

Review

"...an enjoyable read in themselves, as they open up a panoply of thought and give us amazing insight into the philosophical milieu of the Augustan and later ages." W. G. Sayles, The Celator

"The success of this project cannot be overstated. It has transformed the study of Posidonius and later ancient thought in a decisive manner, especially in the English-speaking world." Brad Inwood, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"It wiil be a welcome and valuable reference for those investigating many aspects of ancient thought,especially for those interested in the history of science, historiography, and philosophy." Arthur Marmorstein, Religious Studies Review

"Kidd, academia's preeminent authority on Posidonius, advances his reputation still further with this translation...The introduction alone makes the book worth owning, but this volume delivers much more...The translation is a valuable tool to anyone interested in Posidonius, Stoicism, and the intellectual life of the first century.

Book Description

This book is a commentary on the surviving testimonia and fragments of Posidonius' work collected in Volume I of this edition. The purpose of this commentary is to assess the fragmentary evidence and reports of Posidonius found in the writings of about sixty ancient authors, and to separate what Posidonius himself actually said from the interpretations and distortions of his reporters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521354994
• ISBN 13: 9780521354998
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 1088
• Editor: Kidd I. G.