Homer: The Resonance of Epic (Classical Literature and Society) - Softcover

Barbara Graziosi & Johannes Haubold

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0715632825 ISBN 13: 9780715632826

Publisher: Bristol Classical Press, 2005

Synopsis

This book offers a new approach to the study of Homeric epic by combining ancient Greek perceptions of Homer with up-to-date scholarship on traditional poetry. Part I argues that, in the archaic period, the Greeks saw the lliad and Odyssey neither as literary works in the modern sense nor as the products of oral poetry. Instead, they regarded them as belonging to a much wider history of the divine cosmos, whose structures and themes are reflected in the resonant patterns of Homer's traditional language and narrative techniques. Part II illustrates this claim by looking at some central aspects of the Homeric poems: the gods and fate, gender and society, death, fame and poetry. Each section shows how the patterns and preoccupations of Homeric storytelling reflect a historical vision that encompasses the making of the universe, from its beginnings when Heaven mated with Earth, to the present day.

About this title

Review:

The author has perfectly mastered the material under investigation and, even when speaking of allusions in the Homeric text to other myths, she does not generally force the interpretation in an attempt to establish improbable chronologies... it is easy to appreciate Graziosi's clarity of presentation and ability to offer precise and brief definitions... the book constitutes not only an accurate critical evaluation of Homeric studies for the benefit of scholars, but also a valuable and accessible introduction to the subject for non-specialist readers. (Carmine Pisano, Bryn Mawr Classical Review)

An excellent, up-to-date,synthesis. (Lucia Marchini, Minerva)

Graziosi's stimulating account of that resonance in such a short, up-to-date and readable book makes this the perfect introduction to Homer. (Times Literary Supplement)

clear, beautifully written, enthusiasm-radiating volume (Times Higher Education)

About the Author:

Barbara Graziosi is Lecturer in Classics at the University of Durham and the author of Inventing Homer: The Early Reception of Epic (2002).

About this edition

• Publisher: Bristol Classical Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0715632825
• ISBN 13: 9780715632826
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192