Philodemus and Poetry: Poetic Theory and Practice in Lucretius, Philodemus and Horace

by Dirk Obbink

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195088151
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/08/1995
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.97(d)
Lexile:	1540L (what's this?)

About the Author

Barnard College, Columbia University

Editorial Reviews

"an indispensable tool for scholars beginning to delve into what may be Herculaneum's most valuable treasures."—Bryn Mawr Classical Review.

"An extremely useful discussion of the poetics of Philodemus of Gadara...Highly recommended."—Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher