
A text (with apparatus criticus), translation, and commentary, with introduction, of the first book of Valerius Flaccus' Argonautica, an unfinished Roman epic extending to eight books and several thousand lines, written in the Flavian period (69-96 CE). The commentary addresses both textual and semantic matters and broader questions of stylistics, poetics, thematics, and cultural context. Particularly close attention is paid to Valerius' choice of diction, his sophisticated use of figures and tropes, his often sly erudition, the recurring and strategic resort to subtle intertextual gestures, and, where appropriate, the reception of his work in later authors. The substantial introduction provides an overview of the poet and his poem.
This volume investigates the linguistic, stylistic, and cultural complexities of the first book of Valerius Flaccus' Argonautica to provide a comprehensive scholarly framework for the epic. Andrew Zissos, a specialist in Flavian poetry, utilizes a rigorous philological approach to analyze the text, offering a critical edition, translation, and detailed commentary. The work situates the poem within its specific Flavian historical context while exploring the poet's sophisticated engagement with earlier literary traditions. By examining both textual minutiae and broader thematic structures, the author establishes a foundation for understanding Valerius' unique contribution to the Roman epic tradition.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and students of Latin literature frequently cite this work as a vital resource for navigating the technical and stylistic challenges of Flavian epic poetry. The commentary is widely recognized for its academic rigor and its ability to illuminate the subtle, erudite nature of Valerius' writing.
Page Count:
520
Publication Date:
2008-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191527491
ISBN-13:
9780191527494
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