The Virgilian Tradition II: Books and Their Readers in the Renaissance

The Virgilian Tradition II is a collection of thirteen essays by historian Craig Kallendorf that explore how early modern readers used the prefaces, dedicatory letters, and commentaries accompanying the early modern editions of Virgil's Eclogues, Georgics, Aeneid, and Appendix Virgiliana to develop a more nuanced interpretation of his writings. The approach developed in the volume demonstrates how book history can enrich our understanding of the reception of Greek and Latin authors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Virgilian Tradition II is a collection of thirteen essays written by historian Craig Kallendorf. These essays offer a unique perspective on the reception of the canonical classical author Virgil, particularly in the early modern period. The focus of the essays is on the early printed books that were instrumental in shaping how Virgil's works were read and interpreted within early modern culture. By examining the prefaces, dedicatory letters, and commentaries that accompanied the early modern editions of Virgil's Eclogues, Georgics, Aeneid, and Appendix Virgiliana, the authors demonstrate how these paratextual materials were utilized by early readers to develop a more nuanced interpretation of Virgil's writings than what twentieth-century scholars believed to be possible.

Through this volume, the authors showcase how the emerging field of book history can enhance our understanding of the reception of Greek and Latin authors. The essays are organized into three sections: "Virgil and the Early Modern Book," "Virgil and the Reader," and "Virgil and the Canon." In the first section, the authors explore how the printing of Virgil's works in the early modern period influenced their reception. They discuss the impact of print technology, the availability of editions, and the influence of publishers on the interpretation and dissemination of Virgil's works. The second section examines the role of the reader in shaping the reception of Virgil's works. The authors explore how early readers used the paratextual material to interpret Virgil's texts in their own unique ways, often challenging traditional scholarly interpretations. The third section explores the place of Virgil within the broader canon of classical literature. The authors argue that Virgil's works played a significant role in the development of the literary canon and how they were received and interpreted by later readers and critics.

The Virgilian Tradition II is a valuable resource for scholars and students of early modern history, as well as those interested in book history and cultural history. The essays provide a rich and nuanced understanding of Virgil's reception in the early modern period and offer insights into the broader cultural and literary contexts in which his works were produced and consumed. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers and is sure to stimulate further discussion and research in the field.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367710439