Tradition and Innovation in Hellenistic Poetry [Paperback]

An examination of Hellenistic poetry and of its reception at Rome.Hellenistic poets of the third and second centuries BC sought to mark their continuity with the classical past and to demonstrate their independence from it. This major new study explores the Greek poetry of the period and its reception and influence at Rome, allowing both sides of this literary practice to be properly appreciated for the first time. The book sets close readings of some of the most familiar poetry of the age, such as Callimachus' Aitia, alongside detailed consideration of newly published texts such as the epigrams of Posidippus.Hellenistic poets of the third and second centuries BC sought to mark their continuity with the classical past and to demonstrate their independence from it. This major new study explores the Greek poetry of the period and its reception and influence at Rome, allowing both sides of this literary practice to be properly appreciated for the first time. The book sets close readings of some of the most familiar poetry of the age, such as Callimachus' Aitia, alongside detailed consideration of newly published texts such as the epigrams of Posidippus.Hellenistic poets of the third and second centuries BC sought to mark their continuity with the classical past as well as demonstrate their independence from it. This major study explores Greek poetry of the period and its reception and influence in Rome. The volume covers some of the most familiar poetry of the age, such as Callimachus' Aitia, alongside detailed consideration of newly published texts like the epigrams of Posidippus.1. Performance and genre; 2. The aetiology of Callimachus' Aitia; 3. The Argonautica of Apollonius and epic tradition; 4. Theocritus and the bucolic genre; 5. Epic in a minor key; 6. The style of Hellenistic epic; 7. The epigram; 8. The languages of praise; 9. Hellenistic drama; 10. Roman epilogue.Review of the hardback: '& this invaluable and endlessly engaging book splendidly reflects thel.