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Thomas J.Nelson

Markers of Allusion in Archaic Greek Poetry

Markers of Allusion in Archaic Greek Poetry

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  • More about 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 of Hellenistic Alexandria and Rome.

Format: Hardback
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 the oral archaic Greek poetry. 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. By unraveling the artificial boundary between a supposedly primal archaic literature and a purportedly sophisticated book culture of Hellenistic Alexandria and Rome, Nelson sheds light on the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation in the realm of Greek poetry. This book is a vital contribution to literary history, offering a fresh perspective on the ways in which poets navigated the complexities of their cultural and historical context, creating works that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Weight: 676g
ISBN-13: 9781316514375

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