THE TRADITIONAL PHRASE IN HOMER Two Studies in Form, Meaning and Interpretation

Sacks, Richard

ISBN 10: 9004078622 / ISBN 13: 9789004078628

Published by E. J. Brill, 1987

About this Item

Scholar's bookplate to inner cover (G. P. Goold). Foxing/dustsoiling to textblock. ; Columbia Studies in the Classical Tradition, Vol XIV; 9.4 X 6.4 X 0.8 inches; 241 pages.

Seller Inventory # 32063

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE TRADITIONAL PHRASE IN HOMER Two Studies in Form, Meaning and Interpretation
• Publisher: E. J. Brill
• Publication Date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9004078622
• ISBN 13: 9789004078628
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket
• Weight: 1 pound
• Seller catalogs:
  • Greek Literature
  • Classical Studies

About this title

Synopsis

This study attempts to bridge the now classic gap between fixed form and functioning context which continues to limit our understanding of the Homeric phrase.
The first part of the study uses the presence of Homeric phrases in other Greek poetry, especially the notoriously "Homeric" Theognis 237-254, to help identify potentially significant phrases. The second part considers the epithets of Hector, in an attempt to re-examine Parry's notion of traditional fixed epithets and their importance for understanding the Iliad and the Odyssey. The author offers original interpretations of the workings of the traditional phrase in Homer, and also of Theognis 237- 254 and of the Iliad's much-debated characterization of Hector.
Along the way, Sacks suggests how his method may help with other problems, including contested emendations in Homer, the relationship of the Iliad and the Odyssey, and the relationship between epic and other genres. The central concern of the book, however, is the traditional artistry of Homer.

Review

'...stimulating...deserves serious consideration by philologists and critics of Homer.'
Kenneth S. Rothwell, Religious Studies Reveiw, 1989.
'...an important book...'
J.B. Hainsworht, The Classical Review, 1990.
'...ouvre avantageusement de nouvelles pistes aux philologues...'
M. Mund-Dopchie, Les études classiques.