Title
Classical Literature: An Epic Journey From Homer To Virgil And Beyond
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The writings of the Greeks and Romans form the bedrock of Western culture. Inventing the molds for histories, tragedies, and philosophies, while pioneering radical new forms of epic and poetry, the Greeks and Romans created the literary world we still inhabit today. Writing with verve and insight, distinguished classicist Richard Jenkyns explores a thousand years of classical civilization, carrying readers from the depths of the Greek dark ages through the glittering heights of Rome's empire.Jenkyns begins with Homer and the birth of epic poetry before exploring the hypnotic poetry of Pindar, Sappho, and others from the Greek dark ages. Later, in Athens's classical age, Jenkyns shows the radical nature of Sophocles's choice to portray Ajax as a psychologically wounded warrior, how Aeschylus developed tragedy, and how Herodotus, in 'inventing history,' brought to narrative an epic and tragic quality. We meet the strikingly modern figure of Virgil, struggling to mirror epic art in an age of empire, and experience the love poems of Catullus, who imbued verse with obsessive passion as never before. Even St. Paul and other early Christian writers are artfully grounded here in their classical literary context.A dynamic and comprehensive introduction to Greek and Roman literature, Jenkyns's Classical Literature is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the classics and the extraordinary origins of Western culture.'There is scarcely anything on which he does not offer an original aper sometimes illuminating, sometimes simply provocative, but always worth reading... Jenkyns's view of ancient literature is Olympian.' G.W. Bowersock, The New York Review of Books
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Classical Literature: An Epic Journey from Homer to Virgil and Beyond'? A: The book explores the evolution of Greek and Roman literature, highlighting its significant impact on Western culture from its origins in the Greek dark ages to the heights of Rome's empire.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Richard Jenkyns, a distinguished classicist known for his insightful analysis of classical literature.
- Q: What type of literature does this book cover? A: This book covers a range of literary forms including epic poetry, tragedies, and philosophies, focusing on key figures such as Homer, Virgil, and Sophocles.
- Q: What are the notable features of this book? A: The book provides a dynamic introduction to classical literature, weaving together historical context, literary analysis, and the relevance of ancient works to modern culture.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in classical literature? A: Yes, this book is written for a general audience and serves as an accessible introduction to classical literature for both beginners and those seeking a deeper understanding.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on March 1, 2016.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 288 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, providing durability and a quality feel.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for academic studies? A: Yes, the comprehensive analysis and insights provided make it a valuable resource for academic studies in literature and history.
- Q: What is the condition of the book when purchased? A: The book is available in new condition, ensuring that it is in pristine shape when received.