The History of Menander the Guardsman: Introductory Essay, Text, Translation and Historiographical Notes (ARCA 17)

Blockley, R. C.

ISBN 10: 0905205251 / ISBN 13: 9780905205250

Published by Francis Cairns (Publications) Ltd, 1985

About this Item

Short note in green pencil on front flyleaf. Crease on front of dust jacket near bottom edge. From the library of Prof. John Scarborough, School of Pharmacy and Department of Classics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, with his name and date on front flyleaf.

Seller Inventory # 220076

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The History of Menander the Guardsman: Introductory Essay, Text, Translation and Historiographical Notes (ARCA 17)
• Publisher: Francis Cairns (Publications) Ltd
• Publication Date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0905205251
• ISBN 13: 9780905205250
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • J. Scarborough Collection

About this title

Synopsis

Almost all of the very little we know of Menander comes from the preface of his History. Having studied the law, Menander did not become an advocate, preferring instead to become a 'man-about-town'. He was saved from this life of degradation by the accession of the poetry and history enthusiast Emperor Maurice, and the rewards that being a writer could now bring. Whether his History was commissioned by the Emperor is not known, but he was certainly given some high-level encouragement. Menander's portrayal of Justin is more even-handed than most, but his approval of Tiberius is much more effusive, especially with regard to his Persian policy. Overall, Menander's main interest seems to have been Roman relations with foreign peoples - Persians and Avars, particularly - and his depiction of the Persian state as being equal to Rome was prophetic, both empires disappearing less than a century after he was writing.

About the Author

R.C. Blockley is Professor of Classics and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa. He has also published in the series ARCA the two volumes of The Fragmentary Classicising Historians (ARCAs 6, 1981 and 10, 1983) and East Roman Foreign Policy (ARCA 30, 1992).