Sardonic Smile, Nonverbal Behavior in Homeric Epic

Lateiner, Donald (inscribed)

ISBN 10: 0472105981 / ISBN 13: 9780472105984

Published by University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Mich., 1995

About this Item

Hardcover in Fine condition in a near-fine dust jacket, 8vo. Gray cloth with titles in gold, appendix, bibliography, index. First printing with full number line. Inscribed by author on front free end-paper. Almost like new but with faded dust jacket spine. Bookseller accession no.: 22167. "Lateiner explores how the Homeric poems frequently and consistently employ gesture, posture, and vocalics to convey situation and meaning, sometimes instead of speech or instrumental action." Extra postage might be required for some international destinations.

Seller Inventory # 001781

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sardonic Smile, Nonverbal Behavior in Homeric Epic
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0472105981
• ISBN 13: 9780472105984
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

In Sardonic Smile, Donald Lateiner examines every major variety of Homeric nonverbal behavior, especially those found in the Odyssey. Noting differences from modern gestures and attending to variation that results from gender, age, and status, Lateiner explores the "silent language" and "what goes without saying" among the heroes Odysseus, Telemakhos, and Penelope--but also the savage Kyklops, the suitors, and the servants. No previous work has thoroughly analyzed nonverbal behavior in Homeric epic. Gesture and posture, conscious and unconscious manipulation of space and time, and involuntary "leakage," such as twitching and shivering, can intensify and underline--or contradict and ironize--the speech of characters and hexameter narrative.

A Choice Outstanding Academic Book for 1995.

"An important contribution to Homeric studies." --Choice

"Sardonic Smile opens up new dimensions for the study of ancient literature; one may predict that analysis of the nonverbal 'parallel texts' will become increasingly common as a result of the important study." --Walter Donlan, Classical Journal

Donald Lateiner is John R. Wright Professor of Greek and Humanities, Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the author of The Historical Method of Herodotus and has written and lectured widely on nonverbal behavior in antiquity.

About the Author

Donald Lateiner is John R. Wright Professor of Greek and Humanities, Ohio Wesleyan University.