Wisdom, Authority and Grammar in the Seventh Century: Decoding Virgilius Maro Grammaticus - Softcover

Law, Vivien

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521027691 ISBN 13: 9780521027694

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006

Synopsis

This new interpretation of the baffling Latin grammars of the seventh-century writer Virgilius Maro Grammaticus sets aside conventional readings that see them as flawed or parodic. Vivien Law's analysis moves through the broader context of patristic biblical exegesis and early medieval wisdom literature to the ill-documented reaches of heterodox initiatory practices. She situates Virgilius in his intellectual context, and opens important new perspectives for our understanding of medieval literary culture.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The works of the enigmatic seventh-century author Virgilius Maro Grammaticus ('Virgil the Grammarian') are amongst the most puzzling medieval texts to survive. Ostensibly a pair of grammars, they swarm with hymns, riddles, imaginary writers, invented words and attacks on authority. Conventionally interpreted either as a benighted barbarian's unfortunate attempt to write a 'proper' grammar, or as a parody of the pedantic excesses of the ancient grammatical tradition, these texts are desperately in need of a reading which takes into account their many idiosyncrasies. Why should a grammarian preach the existence of twelve different kinds of Latin? Why should he attack the very notion of authority, thereby destabilising his own position? The search for an answer leads via patristic exegesis and medieval wisdom literature to the tantalisingly ill-documented reaches of heterodox initiatory traditions.

Review:

"Law opens this tantalizing study with some keen readings of this abstrusely self-deprecating author...Law's work is sure to attract controversial attention. More so perhaps, it will inspire renewed efforts to play out the puzzles in this fantastical wit. Highly recommended for those who are serious esotericists." Critical Notice

"A highly erudite examination of the cultural significance of grammatica....Readers will find the work stimulating, challenging, and informative on virtually every page." --Religious Studies Review

"A highly erudite examination of the cultural significance of grammatica, the fundamental discipline concerned with literacy, language, interpretation, and literature in antiquity and the medieval world." Religious Studies Review

"There are important ideas in this book. Law's method rests on a sound philological basis but is also innovative.... This is a book for those who seek to understand the intellectual climate of the seventh century...." Denis Brearley, Speculum

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0521027691
• ISBN 13: 9780521027694
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 184