Satirical, or 'skoptic', epigram emerged as a distinctive new sub-genre of Greek literature in the Roman Empire. In this book, Gideon Nisbet rehabilitates skoptic epigram, introduces its authors, gives an account of its development and situates it within its cultural context.
Epigram
by Livingstone, Niall, Classical Association (Great Britain), Nisbet, Gideon
fromGreece & Rome
"This is an introduction to the ancient genre of epigram, short poems literally written or inscribed 'on' an object or figuratively 'on' a topic. The authors set out what epigram means and why it matters, exploring its roots in inscriptions on stone and its literary flourishing …
1. An historical overview -- 2. Brevity -- 3. Wisdom -- 4. Authority -- 5. Thoughts and impressions -- 6. Enigma and paradox -- 7. Singularity and multiplicity -- 8. The aphorism today.
