Statius: Silvae Book II (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics) - Hardcover

Statius

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521661870 ISBN 13: 9780521661874

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2011

Synopsis

With the exception of a poem on the unscripted death of a lion in the Colosseum, Book II of Statius' Silvae is largely domestic in theme. It reflects the more private side of Roman culture, its pleasures, houses, gardens, friendships, and personal losses; it concludes with a provocative tribute to the poet Lucan. Despite its variety, the book is carefully constructed as a unit, and this edition, which is suitable for use with advanced students, puts the book into its context in the history of Greek and Roman poetry. The commentary takes into account the important work done on the text of the Silvae in the past two decades as well as the new perspectives brought to bear on Flavian culture by historians and archaeologists. It explores Statius' use of the short poem as a playful engagement with literary tradition that also reflects changing ideas of Roman cultural identity.

About this title

About the Author

Publius Papinius Statius (c.45–c.96 AD) was a Roman poet of the 1st century AD, born in Naples. As a poet, Statius was versatile in his abilities and his work includes an epic poem, the Thebaid, a collection of occasional poetry, the Silvae, and the unfinished epic, the Achilleid.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521661870
• ISBN 13: 9780521661874
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 294
• Editor: Newlands Carole E.