Markers of Allusion in Archaic Greek Poetry

This book investigates how the earliest known Greek poets (seventh to fifth centuries BCE) signposted their debts to their predecessors and prior traditions, deconstructing the artificial boundary between a primal archaic literature and a sophisticated book culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking book delves into the intricate ways in which the earliest known Greek poets, spanning from the seventh to fifth centuries BCE, strategically referenced their predecessors and ancestral traditions within their works. Much like the hidden Easter eggs in modern cinema, these poets placed markers that served as cues for audiences to recognize and appreciate the rich tapestry of literary heritage. Traditionally, the practice of signposting has been associated with later literary cultures, closely linked with the emergence of libraries, literacy, and writing. However, in this comprehensive and innovative study, Thomas Nelson challenges this notion by demonstrating that these devices were already deeply embedded in oral archaic Greek poetry. By deconstructing the artificial boundary between a supposedly primal archaic literature and a supposedly sophisticated book culture of Hellenistic Alexandria and Rome, Nelson reveals the intricate connections between these two periods. Through three interlocking case studies, he showcases how poets from Homer to Pindar employed the language of hearsay, memory, and time to index their allusive relationships, engaging in a dynamic interplay between embracing, reworking, and challenging their inherited tradition. This exploration not only sheds light on the creative processes of these poets but also provides valuable insights into the evolution of literary traditions and the complex interplay between oral and written forms of expression.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 217 x 139 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009078191