Philodemus and Poetry: Poetic Theory and Practice in Lucretius, Philodemus and Horace
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Author Description
This is an edited collection by a distinguished team of scholars on the philosopher and poet Philodemus of Gadara (ca. 110-40 BC). The discovery of his library at Herculaneum, and the editing and gradual publication of the material, has reawakened interest in the philosophical and historical importance of his work. Philodemus presents us with a poetic theory of interest in itself, and several of his treatises provide us with instances of how poetry was seen as providing moral paradigms and guidance. These essays explore the many facets of Philodemus's work and the relationship between them, offering a critical survey of recent trends and developments in scholarship on Philodemus in particular and Hellenistic literary theory in general.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the intersection of Hellenistic philosophy and literary theory through the lens of Philodemus of Gadara’s recovered treatises. Edited by Dirk Obbink, the volume assembles contributions from prominent scholars to analyze how Philodemus’s work informs our understanding of ancient poetic theory. The text utilizes the papyrological evidence from the Herculaneum library to reconstruct the philosophical debates surrounding the moral function of poetry in the ancient world.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of the Herculaneum papyri and their impact on modern classical scholarship.
- Comparative studies of poetic theory in the works of Lucretius, Philodemus, and Horace.
- Examination of the moral and didactic roles attributed to poetry in Hellenistic thought.
- Critical surveys of contemporary academic trends regarding Epicurean aesthetics.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars recognize this volume as a significant contribution to the study of Epicurean aesthetics and the intellectual history of the late Roman Republic. The text is noted for its academic rigor and is frequently cited as a foundational resource for those examining the influence of Philodemus on Latin literature.
Page Count:
336
Publication Date:
1995-06-08
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195088158
ISBN-13:
9780195088151
History
Poetry
Philosophy
Horace
Poetics
Literary Criticism
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