The History of Menander the Guardsman: Introductory Essay, Text, Translation and Historiographical Notes (ARCA) [Paperback]

RC Blockley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0905205456 | ISBN-13: 978-0905205458 | Publication Date: December 1, 2006

Almost all of the very little we know of Menander comes from the preface of his History. Having studied the law, Menander did not become an advocate, preferring instead to become a 'man-about-town'. He was saved from this life of degradation by the accession of the poet and history enthusiast Emperor Maurice, and the rewards that being a writer could now bring. Whether his History was commissioned by the Emperor is not known, but he was certainly given some high-level encouragement. Menander's portrayal of Justin is more even-handed than most, but his approval of Tiberius is much more effusive, especially with regard to his Persian policy. Overall, Menander's main interest seems to have been Roman relations with foreign peoples - Perians and Avars, particularly - and his depiction of the Persian state as being equal to Rome was prophetic, both empires disappearing less than a century after he was writing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... the commentary is striking completely new ground -- to make Menander for the first time both comprehensible and usable." -- Phoenix 42 (1988) 281-4, 283 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English, Greek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 307 pages
• Publisher: Francis Cairns Publications (December 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0905205456
• ISBN-13: 978-0905205458
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,617,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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