Greek and Latin Letters in Late Antiquity: The Christianisation of a Literary Form

Allen and Neil's book explores the nature and function of early Christian Greek and Latin literary letters, their production and dissemination, and the transmission of letter-collections. It demonstrates that the differences between pagan and Christian letter-writing are not as great as previously thought.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This is the first comprehensive book on Greek and Latin letter-writing in Late Antiquity (300–600 CE). Allen and Neil delve into the examination of early Christian Greek and Latin literary letters, their nature, function, and the intricate mechanics of their production and dissemination. They explore the exchange of Episcopal, monastic, and imperial letters between men, as well as the accompanying gifts and the rarer phenomenon of letter exchanges with imperial and aristocratic women. Additionally, they examine the transmission of letter collections and the insights they provide into the friendships and other social networks between the powerful elites who were the literary letter-writers of the fourth to sixth centuries. The volume offers a broad perspective on late-antique literary letter-writing in Greek and Latin, encompassing its diverse manifestations: political, ecclesiastical, practical, and social. Through their analysis, the authors demonstrate that the differences between pagan and Christian letter-writing are not as profound as previously believed.

Introduction:
Late Antiquity, spanning from the third to the sixth centuries CE, witnessed a remarkable flourishing of Greek and Latin letter-writing. This period marked a significant shift in the cultural, social, and political landscape, with the rise of Christianity and the establishment of the Roman Empire. During this time, letters became an essential means of communication, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas in a personal and intimate manner.

The Nature and Function of Early Christian Greek and Latin Literary Letters:
Allen and Neil's book delves into the examination of early Christian Greek and Latin literary letters, their nature, and function. They explore the role that letters played in the lives of individuals and communities during this period. Literary letters were used not only for personal communication but also for political, ecclesiastical, and practical purposes. They served as a means of establishing and maintaining relationships, exchanging information, and shaping public opinion.

The Mechanics of Production and Dissemination:
The authors also examine the mechanics of letter production and dissemination in Late Antiquity. They discuss the materials used for writing letters, such as parchment, papyrus, and paper, and the techniques employed to create and preserve them. They also explore the various channels through which letters were transmitted, including postal systems, messengers, and personal delivery.

The Exchange of Episcopal, Monastic, and Imperial Letters:
One of the key aspects of Allen and Neil's book is their exploration of the exchange of Episcopal, monastic, and imperial letters between men. They examine the nature of these letters, the topics they addressed, and the social and political context in which they were written. They also discuss the gifts that accompanied these letters, such as books, manuscripts, and other valuable items, and the role that these gifts played in the formation of relationships and the transmission of knowledge.

Letter Exchanges with Imperial and Aristocratic Women:
In addition to the exchange of letters between men, Allen and Neil also examine the rarer phenomenon of letter exchanges with imperial and aristocratic women. They explore the social and cultural significance of these letters, the topics they addressed, and the role that women played in the literary and political circles of Late Antiquity. They also discuss the gifts that accompanied these letters, such as jewelry, clothing, and other luxury items, and the ways in which these gifts were used to demonstrate status and power.

The Transmission of Letter-Collections:
The authors also look at the transmission of letter-collections and what they can tell us about friendships and other social networks between the powerful elites who were the literary letter-writers of the fourth to sixth centuries. They discuss the methods used to collect and preserve letters, such as copying and annotating manuscripts, and the role that these collections played in shaping public perception and preserving cultural heritage.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Allen and Neil's book is a valuable contribution to the study of Greek and Latin letter-writing in Late Antiquity. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the nature, function, and mechanics of letter-writing in this period. Through their exploration of the exchange of letters between men, women, and imperial and aristocratic circles, the authors demonstrate the complex social and cultural networks that existed in Late Antiquity. The book also sheds light on the role that letters played in the transmission of knowledge, the formation of relationships, and the shaping of public opinion. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and literature of Late Antiquity.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316649503