The Cambridge History of Classical Literature: Volume 2, Latin Literature, Part 1, The Early Republic [Paperback]

E. J. Kenney (Editor), W. V. Clausen (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 1983 | ISBN-10: 0521273757 | ISBN-13: 978-0521273756

In the third century BC Rome embarked on the expansion which was ultimately to leave her mistress of the Mediterranean world. As part of that expansion a national literature arose, springing from the union of native linguistic energy with Greek literary forms. Shortly after the middle of the century the first Latin play took the stage; by 100 BC most of the important genres invented by the Greeks - epic, tragedy, comedy, historiography, oratory - were solidly established in their adoptive Roman forms, and a new genre, satire, had been born. The chapters in this volume describe and analyse the process of creative adaptation which shaped the beginnings of Latin literature and laid the foundations for its future development as one of the great literatures of the world. Essential background is provided by introductory chapters on readers and critics in the Roman world. In these are described the form of the books themselves and the conditions under which they were produced, circulated and read. The whole volume offers an indispensable introduction to the understanding of the nature and quality of Latin literature.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

A collaborative critical history of Latin literature from its beginnings until the breakup of the Roman Empire in the fifth century A.D. The paperback edition has been divided into five chronological volumes. Each includes the relevant sections of the appendix of authors and works, metrical appendix and its own bibliography and index.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (August 31, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521273757
• ISBN-13: 978-0521273756
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,648,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)