Epigram (New Surveys in the Classics, Series Number 38) - Softcover

Livingstone, Niall; Nisbet, Gideon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521145708 ISBN 13: 9780521145701

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

This is an introduction to the ancient genre of epigram, short poems literally written or inscribed 'on' an object or figuratively 'on' a topic. The authors set out what epigram means and why it matters, exploring its roots in inscriptions on stone and its literary flourishing in the Hellenistic world after Alexander. They trace its migration from Greece to Rome, where its most famous exponent was Martial, and consider the continuation of Greek epigram under the Roman empire in the so-called 'Second Sophistic'. The final chapter shows how Greek epigram achieved new importance in the nineteenth century as raw material for stories about the classical past.

About this title

Book Description:

This book provides an introduction as to what epigram means and why it matters. Subjects covered include the roots in inscriptions on stone, the continuation of Greek epigram under the Roman empire and a chapter discussing new importance in the nineteenth century as material for stories about the classical past.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0521145708
• ISBN 13: 9780521145701
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 190