The Challenge of Epic: Allusive Engagement in the Dionysiaca of Nonnus (Mnemosyne, Bibliotheca Classica Batava Supplementum) (Mnemosyne Supplements) [Hardcover]

Robert E. C. Shorrock (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 9004117954 | ISBN-13: 978-9004117952 | Publication Date: December 1, 2000

Nonnus once vied with Homer for popularity; today his "Dionysiaca" languishes in obscurity. "The Challenge of Epic" offers a literary critical rehabilitation of Nonnus' fifth-century AD poem. It argues that modern neglect stems from a failure to appreciate the central position of allusion in late-antique poetry. Attention first focuses on intertextual allusion. It is argued that the poet draws on a plethora of allusions to the cycle of Greek mythology in order to imbue his specific narrative with a universal significance. Focus then shifts to metapoetic allusion: the way in which Nonnus alludes self-consciously to the process of writing, and develops parallels between himself and his subject, Dionysus. Through an appreciation of Nonnus' alllusive strategies, the modern reader can again engage with the mind-bending challenge of the "Dionysiaca,"

Product Details

• Hardcover: 245 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Pub (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004117954
• ISBN-13: 978-9004117952
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,355,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Allusively Engaging and Wonderful for NVQs, April 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Challenge of Epic: Allusive Engagement in the Dionysiaca of Nonnus (Mnemosyne, Bibliotheca Classica Batava Supplementum) (Mnemosyne Supplements) (Hardcover)

This XLIX Book epic is certainly one of the greatest and most fascinating insights into the world of ancient Rome that you can ever read. I am currently studying for 7 Grade 6 NVQs and I found this guide to the Ancient Greek pornography industry on and near Mount Olympus incredibly helpful and informative, not to mention revealing. Dionysus time and again reveals his divine intent to create a European standard for brothel quality and so spends much time assessing outlets personally; the Mnemosyne Biblitheca Classica Batava has been found to be the best such establishment in Greece - I agree wholeheartedly! Bob's welcoming style makes this the most easily accesible companion to the novice. The road directions were spot on. For further information try supplementa 1-209 but especially 211. Just look what quality the Cambridge academic system produced! And to quote Bob's favourite line of verse:

Would that I were in Grantchester in Grantchester.

Thankyou for a most enjoyable seven months of reading. If you enjoyed Bob's other books almost as much as I did or just happen to want some extra NVQ credit, this book is for you.