Poems without Poets: Approaches to anonymous ancient poetry

The canon of classical Greek and Latin poetry is built around big names, with Homer and Virgil at the center, but many ancient poems survive without a firm ascription to a known author. This negative category, anonymity, ties together texts as different as the orally derived Homeric Hymns and the learned interpolation that is the Helen episode in Aeneid 2, but they all have in common that they have been maltreated in various ways by generations of readers and scholars, ancient as well as modern. The essays collected in this volume attempt to disentangle the bundles of historically accreted uncertainties and misconceptions that affect individual anonymous texts, including pseudepigrapha ascribed to Homer, Manetho, Virgil and Tibullus, literary and inscribed epigrams, and unattributed fragments. Poems without Poets will be of interest to students and scholars working on any anonymous ancient texts, but also to readers seeking an introduction to classical poetry beyond the limits of the established canon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: Cambridge Philological Society

The canon of classical Greek and Latin poetry is a rich tapestry woven around the towering figures of Homer and Virgil, who occupy the central stage. However, it is worth noting that numerous ancient poems have managed to survive without a definitive attribution to a known author. This enigmatic category, anonymity, binds together a diverse range of texts, such as the orally derived Homeric Hymns and the scholarly interpolation found in the Helen episode of Aeneid 2. Despite their apparent differences, these anonymous works share a common fate of being subjected to various forms of mistreatment over the centuries, whether intentional or inadvertent, by readers and scholars from ancient times to the present. These layers of erasure, which manifest in textual distortions or aesthetic criticism, render it nearly impossible to access these poems in their original pristine form and contextual entirety.

The essays gathered in this volume embark on a mission to unravel the intricate web of historically accumulated uncertainties and misconceptions that plague individual anonymous texts. This includes the examination of pseudepigrapha attributed to Homer, Manetho, Virgil, and Tibullus, literary and inscribed epigrams, as well as unattributed fragments. Poems without Poets will captivate students and scholars engaged in the study of anonymous ancient texts, as well as those seeking an introduction to classical poetry beyond the confines of the established canon.

In exploring the realm of anonymity, one cannot help but ponder the profound impact it has had on the preservation and interpretation of ancient poetry. Without the attribution of a known author, the identity and intentions of the poet remain shrouded in mystery, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. This anonymity fosters a unique perspective, allowing readers to engage with the text on their own terms and form their own interpretations. It encourages a deeper exploration of the poetic language, themes, and imagery, as the reader is free to draw upon their own experiences and cultural backgrounds to interpret the poem.

However, anonymity also presents challenges. Without a definitive attribution, it becomes difficult to establish the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written. The lack of biographical information and historical records can hinder our understanding of the poet's life, influences, and societal context. It can also lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, as different readers may assign different meanings or interpretations to the same poem.

To overcome these challenges, scholars and researchers have employed various methods and approaches. They employ textual analysis, stylistic analysis, and historical research to shed light on the anonymous works and provide insights into their authorship, date, and cultural significance. They also engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, drawing upon insights from other fields such as literature, history, and philosophy to enrich their understanding of the poems.

In conclusion, the canon of classical Greek and Latin poetry is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the rich cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. While the central figures of Homer and Virgil dominate the stage, it is the anonymous poems that offer a glimpse into the diverse voices and perspectives of the past. These poems have been subjected to layers of erasure and mistreatment, yet they continue to resonate with readers and scholars alike. Through the efforts of scholars and researchers, we are able to unravel the mysteries of anonymity and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of ancient poetry.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 156 x 217 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913701406