Writer and Occasion in Twelfth-Century Byzantium: The Authorial Voice of Constantine Manasses

In twelfth-century Constantinople, writers worked on commission for the imperial family or aristocratic patrons, depicting and praising the present by drawing from the Graeco-Roman and Biblical tradition. This study assumes that writing on command privileges originality and encourages the challenging of conventions, as voice was the primary instrument for a successful career.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the vibrant city of Constantinople during the twelfth century, writers embarked on a remarkable journey, crafting their works on commission for the imperial family or esteemed aristocratic patrons. These texts emerged as a captivating tapestry, serving as a bridge between the writer and their patron, as well as a conduit between the realm of literary imagination and the tangible world of empirical reality. This captivating study delves into the remarkable achievements of one such writer, Constantine Manasses, who skillfully navigated this artistic landscape. Manasses, a master of his craft, depicted and celebrated the present by drawing upon the rich tapestry of the Graeco-Roman and Biblical traditions. His profound knowledge and reverence for these ancient sources allowed him to create works that resonated with his wealthy friends, securing commissions that spanned over three decades.

While some may have viewed the occasional literature of writers like Manasses as mere rhetoric, devoid of literary ambition, this study takes a different perspective. It asserts that writing on command privileges originality and fosters the audacious exploration of conventions. In the dynamic society of twelfth-century Byzantium, where occasional writing held a central place, a strong and individual authorial presence was paramount. The voice, as the primary tool for a successful career, became the lifeline of writers like Manasses, enabling them to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives in a manner that resonated with their audience.

Through his meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication, Constantine Manasses emerged as a shining example of a writer who embraced the power of occasional writing. His works, infused with the wisdom of the past and the vitality of the present, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of twelfth-century Byzantium. This study serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of writers who, like Manasses, dared to challenge conventions, push the boundaries of imagination, and leave a lasting impact on the world of letters.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108843355