The Retrospective Muse: Pathways through Ancient Greek Literature and Culture

The Retrospective Muse showcases the celebrated work of Froma I. Zeitlin, who has changed the field of classics with her innovative studies. Her work combines anthropology, gender studies, cultural studies, and literary sensibility to open ancient texts and ideas to new forms of understanding. A selection of her luminous essays on topics still timely today are collected in a volume that shows the full range and flair of her remarkable intellect, demonstrating why her work on ancient Greek culture has had an enduring impact on scholars across multiple fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 426 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Froma I. Zeitlin, a renowned scholar in the field of classics, has left an indelible mark on the academic world through her groundbreaking work. Spanning several decades, Zeitlin's innovative studies have transformed the landscape of classics. Her instantly recognizable style seamlessly blends anthropology, gender studies, cultural studies, and a keen literary sensibility, allowing her to unlock the rich tapestry of ancient texts and ideas in fresh and captivating ways. In this remarkable collection, a selection of her luminous essays on topics that remain relevant today are gathered for the first time. These insightful analyses showcase the full breadth and depth of Zeitlin's remarkable intellect. Through her exploration of Homer's epic works, the Greek novel, religious beliefs, eroticism, myth, and ritual, Zeitlin delves into some of the most significant writings of ancient times and addresses some of the most pressing critical questions of our modern era. Her writing continues to shed light on the enduring qualities of classics as a discipline, and this book serves as a testament to her remarkable achievement.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501772962