Martial: The World of the Epigram

Martial is a major author who deserves more sustained attention, according to William Fitzgerald. He provides an insightful tour of his works, shedding new light on the Roman poets' world and how it might speak to our own. Fitzgerald examines the paradoxical relationship between the self-enclosed epigram and the book of poems that is more than the sum of its parts and shows how Martial behaved like a modern author by imagining these books being displayed in shops and shipped across the empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the age of the sound bite, where concise and impactful statements reign supreme, a writer who excels in the art of the epigram stands out as a particularly relevant figure. Martial, the most influential epigrammatist of classical antiquity, was a virtuoso of this form, effortlessly crafting witty and concise remarks that resonated with his contemporaries. However, despite his profound relevance to modern culture, his work has been largely overlooked in contemporary scholarship.

In his book, "Martial: A Major Author Deserves More Sustained Attention," William Fitzgerald makes a compelling argument for giving Martial the attention he deserves. Fitzgerald argues that Martial is a major author who should be studied and appreciated for his contributions to literature. He provides an insightful tour of Martial's works, shedding new light on the world of Roman poets and how their works can speak to our own time.

Martial published his poems in the late first century CE, during a time when the epigram was firmly embedded in the social life of the Roman elite. His books were widely read and enjoyed, and he became known for his clever and witty epigrams. Fitzgerald examines the paradoxical relationship between the self-enclosed epigram and the book of poems that is more than the sum of its parts. He shows how Martial, by imagining these books being displayed in shops and shipped across the empire to admiring readers, behaved like a modern author.

Fitzgerald's study is chock-full of epigrams, both in Latin and English versions. He delves into Martial's use of wit, irony, and satire to comment on a wide range of subjects, from politics to love to religion. The book is a delight for classicists, literary scholars, and anyone who appreciates an ingenious witticism.

Through his analysis, Fitzgerald demonstrates that Martial's work is not just relevant to the Roman world but also to our own. His observations on the nature of fame, the power of language, and the complexities of human relationships continue to resonate with readers today. Martial's epigrams offer a fresh perspective on these topics and remind us of the enduring power of literature to engage and inspire.

In conclusion, "Martial: A Major Author Deserves More Sustained Attention" is a valuable contribution to the study of classical literature. By highlighting the relevance of Martial's work and providing an insightful tour of his poems, Fitzgerald encourages readers to appreciate the enduring value of classical literature and the timeless wisdom it contains. Martial's epigrams continue to shine as a testament to the power of wit and the enduring appeal of classical literature.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 133 x 200 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226252551