The Authoritative Historian: Tradition and Innovation in Ancient Historiography

Scholars revisit John Marincola's Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography, exploring how ancient historians approached their projects with a balance of tradition and innovation. Key themes include the relation of historiography to myth and poetry, narrative authority, fictional literary devices, narratorial self-presentation, and shaping the historiographical tradition. The volume offers a holistic vision of the development of Greco-Roman historiography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this comprehensive volume, an esteemed group of scholars delves into the profound themes explored by John Marincola in his groundbreaking work, Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography. Spanning nineteen chapters, the book offers a rich tapestry of case studies that shed light on the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation in ancient historical writing. The central themes examined include the intricate relationship between historiography and myth and poetry, the exemplar of narrative authority showcased by Herodotus, the utilization of fictional literary devices, the portrayal of narrators, and the conscious efforts to shape the historiographical tradition in novel and audacious ways. Through these diverse perspectives, the volume presents a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Greco-Roman historiography and the dynamic role of historians within this practice.

Introduction:
John Marincola's Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography has left an indelible mark on the field of ancient history. This groundbreaking work challenged traditional approaches and explored the complex interplay between tradition and innovation in historical writing. In this volume, an international group of scholars takes up the mantle of revisiting these themes, offering a fresh perspective and engaging in a scholarly dialogue.

Themes:
The nineteen chapters of this volume delve into a wide range of themes that shed light on the methods and approaches of ancient historians. These themes include the relationship between historiography and myth and poetry, the narrative authority exemplified by Herodotus, the use of fictional literary devices, narratorial self-presentation, and the conscious efforts to shape the historiographical tradition in new and bold ways.

Case Studies:
Each chapter presents a compelling case study that explores how ancient historians approached their projects. These case studies provide valuable insights into the influences, motivations, and strategies employed by these historical writers. The authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon various disciplines such as history, literature, and cultural studies, to analyze and interpret the evidence.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the themes of John Marincola's Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography. Through a series of case studies and interdisciplinary approaches, the authors provide a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between tradition and innovation in ancient historical writing. This work will be of great interest to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the history and methodology of historical inquiry.

Weight: 858g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009159456