Theodoros Prodromos: Miscellaneous Poems: An Edition and Literary Study

In the twelfth century, Theodoros Prodromos was a prominent poet in Byzantium, known for his 17,000 verses. This book presents the first critical edition and study of his Miscellaneous Poems, exploring themes and genres such as epigrams, riddles, ethopoiiai, and self-referential essays. It sheds new light on Prodromos' intellectual profile, his role as the poet laureate of the Komnenian court, and the relationship between patronage and literary activity in Constantinopolitan intellectual life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of twelfth-century Byzantium, poetry emerged as a cherished art form, weaving its way into diverse realms of textual creation and consumption. Among the luminaries of this era, Theodoros Prodromos stood tall, leaving behind a remarkable corpus of approximately 17,000 verses that continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. While most of his poetic works have been meticulously preserved and presented in modern critical editions, a select group of his creations has remained somewhat overlooked by contemporary philologists and literary scholars. This remarkable collection, commonly known as Miscellaneous Poems, represents a diverse array of themes and genres, spanning from religious and secular epigrams to enigmatic riddles, ethopoiiai, and self-reflexive essayistic pieces.

In this groundbreaking book, we embark on a critical exploration of these poems, accompanied by English translations and insightful commentaries. Through their meticulous study, we gain a deeper understanding of Prodromos's intellectual prowess, expanding his reputation as the poet laureate of the Komnenian court and shedding new light on his multifaceted activities within the vibrant tapestry of Constantinopolitan intellectual life. Moreover, this work unveils the intricate interplay between patronage and other facets of literary endeavors, as well as the complex dynamics of the text's circulation in various performative contexts.

By delving into the rich tapestry of Theodoros Prodromos's poetry, we embark on a journey that uncovers the profound significance of this literary genre in the Byzantine world. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of twelfth-century Byzantine culture, enriching our appreciation for the artistry and intellectual brilliance of its poets.

Weight: 856g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192886927