Imitating Authors: Plato to Futurity

Imitating Authors is a major study of the theory and practice of imitatio from antiquity to the present day, exploring how imitators learnt practices from earlier writers and how metaphors used to explain this practice fed into works which were themselves imitations. It also discusses relationships between imitation and authorial style, its fraught connections with plagiarism, and how emerging ideas of genius and intellectual property changed how imitation was practised.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Imitating Authors is a comprehensive exploration of the theory and practice of imitatio, the imitation of one author by another, spanning from antiquity to the present day. This extensive study encompasses a wide range of literary works, from early Greek texts to contemporary fiction about clones and artificial humans, illuminating both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of imitation. At the heart of Imitating Authors lies the English Renaissance, particularly notable figures such as Ben Jonson and John Milton, who were both influential imitators and the subjects of widespread imitation.

The book argues that imitation went beyond mere borrowing of words or allusions to earlier authors. Imitators actively sought to learn from and emulate the practices of their predecessors, employing innovative techniques to create a new style that could itself be replicated. This dynamic process of imitation served as a catalyst for literary change, enabling writers to push the boundaries of creativity and explore new aesthetic possibilities.

Furthermore, Imitating Authors delves into the metaphors employed by theorists to explain this intricate practice. These metaphors not only shaped the understanding of imitation but also found their way into works that were themselves imitations, exerting a lasting influence on contemporary anxieties surrounding imitation, human beings, and artificial forms of intelligence. The book explores the complex relationships between imitation and authorial style, its fraught connections with plagiarism, and how emerging ideas of genius and intellectual property have shaped the practice of imitation over time.

In a refreshing and accessible style, Burrow elucidates not only the historical significance of imitation but also its profound impact on the present and potential future. The book offers detailed discussions of various influential authors, including Plato, Roman rhetorical theory, Virgil, Lucretius, Petrarch, Cervantes, Ben Jonson, Milton, Pope, Wordsworth, Mary Shelley, and Kazuo Ishiguro, providing a comprehensive examination of the imitatio tradition across different periods and genres.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Imitating Authors sheds light on the enduring power of imitation as a literary and cultural phenomenon, offering valuable insights into the complexities of creativity, authorship, and the human fascination with imitation. Whether scholars, students, or enthusiasts of literature, this book provides a rich and insightful exploration of the theory and practice of imitatio, contributing to our understanding of the literary world and its dynamic evolution.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 234 x 154 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198883463