Augustan Culture (Paperback)

by Karl Galinsky (Author) "FEW CULTURAL periods in the history of the world have taken their name from their rulers for intrinsic rather than convenient reasons: political power and..." (more)
Key Phrases: use many exemplary practices, rcs publica, pictorial program, Ara Pacis, Golden Age, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A thought provoking study that complements and integrates the fruits of many significant studies on individual elements of this major international ancient culture. -- Review

Review
A thought provoking study that complements and integrates the fruits of many significant studies on individual elements of this major international ancient culture.
(Choice )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (January 26, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691058903
• ISBN-13: 978-0691058900
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #735,830 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book, December 21, 1999

By A Customer

Not many monographs can successfully and thoroughly describe an era so complex and multi-dimensional as the Age of Augustus. Galinsky's book may be numbered among those works that will be welcomed by both a specialist classicist and a general reader. Far from simply surveying the various departments of culture during a certain period, it advances an interpretation of perhaps the most complex era in the evolution of Roman history and culture as a whole. The book treats the general reader with a jargon-free, yet accurate and informative discussion of the politics, religion, literature, moral culture and ideas, art and architecture of Augustus' times; at the same time, the classicist will also find an interpretation that proves to be strong, serious, and weightily argued. Auctoritas, the root behind Augustus name, becomes the nucleus around which all spheres of Roman politics and culture revolve. The book begins with an exemplary discussion of the notion of "aucotoritas" and then moves on to explore how "auctoritas" as well as other major lines of Augustus' policy, such as the interaction between tradition and innovation, or public and private. Each of the chapters two through six discuss the "Augustan" influence in, respectively, politics, ideals and values, religion, art and architecture, religion, and literature. Chapter seven discusses the strong presence of Hellenism in Augustus' Rome. I would highly recommend it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars comprehensive and insightful, December 18, 1999

By	Christopher Francese (Carlisle, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a readalbe and scholarly book that synthesizes all aspects of the high tide of Roman culture. It deals with literature, art, politics,architecture, you name it. I especially liked the intro. section on leadership styles: modern politicians could learn a bit from old Augustus. Should be of interest to anyone who likes Roman culture. But those who believe that Augustus was a totalitarian or a fascist will be disappointed. This is not Galinsky's view!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by Former Student, April 22, 2007

By	A. Hoover - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I took Professor Galinsky's Intro to Ancient Rome class at the University of Texas at Austin. After having him in class and seeing what a wonderful, intelligent professor he was I did a little research on him. I eventually found he wrote a book and decided to read it. I must say his knowledge and insight into transformation of Roman culture during the reign of August is superb. A great read for scholars and dabblers alike.