Empire of Letters: Writing in Roman Literature and Thought from Lucretius to Ovid

Empire of Letters explores the history of the book in antiquity, arguing that the physical embodiments of writing were essential to the worldviews and self-fashioning of authors. Fewer than fifty fragments of classical Roman bookrolls survive, and understanding the history of the ancient Roman book requires us to think differently about this evidence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Shedding new light on the history of the book in antiquity,Empire of Letters delves into the captivating tale of writing in Rome during the pivotal transition from Republic to Empire (circa 55 BCE to 15 CE). By seamlessly combining close readings of the era's prominent authors with in-depth analysis of material texts,it compellingly argues that the physical embodiments of writing played a vital role in shaping the worldviews and self-fashioning of those whose works took shape within them. Whether in wooden tablets,papyrus bookrolls,monumental inscriptions carved in stone and bronze,or through the very essence of the alphabet itself,Roman authors both idealized and engaged in a fierce competition with the textual forms of writing.

The academic study of the history of the book has emerged primarily in response to the abundant textual wealth of the age of print,with a particular focus on the Renaissance and subsequent periods. However, it is worth noting that fewer than fifty fragments of classical Roman bookrolls survive,and even fewer lines of poetry remain intact. To fully comprehend the history of the ancient Roman book,we must approach this evidence with a fresh perspective,contextualizing it within the broader realm of other textual forms that have managed to survive in greater numbers. From the fragments of Greek papyri preserved amidst the debris of Egypt's garbage heaps to the Latin graffiti still visible on the walls of the cities devastated by Vesuvius,a diverse array of textual remnants offers valuable insights into the past.

By meticulously examining this material in conjunction with the rich literary testimony of the period,Empire of Letters unveils the profound significance of textuality to Roman authors. It restores the written word to its rightful place at the center of Roman literature, highlighting its enduring impact on the artistic and intellectual landscape of the ancient world. Through its meticulous exploration,Empire of Letters offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of the book in antiquity, shedding light on the complex interplay between the materiality of writing,authorship,and the broader cultural and historical context in which it flourished.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 236 x 155 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197651520