Philostratus

The first volume of collected papers dedicated to Philostratus, a third-century AD Greek writer, covers his diverse works, including hagiographic fiction, historical dialogue, and prescriptions for gymnastics. His writings provide valuable insights into Greek culture in the Roman world and the development of Hellenic cultural identity in the context of Christianity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 413 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Philostratus, the renowned essayist, biographer, and historian of Greek culture in the Roman world, stands as one of the most captivating writers of Greek prose during the third century AD. This first volume of collected papers is dedicated to his remarkable body of work, encompassing a diverse range of genres, including hagiographic fiction, historical dialogue, pictorial description, love letters, and prescriptions for gymnastics. What sets Philostratus apart is his exceptional writing quality and the profound themes he explored, including religion, aesthetics, athletics, and education. These writings, considered among the most important documents for understanding Greek culture in the Roman world, provide valuable insights into the maturity of Hellenic cultural identity amidst the rise of Christianity.

Unfortunately, Philostratus has been relatively neglected in scholarly circles, leading to the scarcity of studies dedicated to his work. This collection, therefore, holds immense value for scholars and students of imperial Greek literature and art, offering a comprehensive exploration of this overlooked figure's contributions. By delving into the rich tapestry of Philostratus' writings, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of Greek culture during the Roman era, shedding light on the enduring legacy of this remarkable writer.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108994552