The purpose of this challenging book is to inquire systematically into the historical causes that underlay the radical shift from earlier and less efficient writing-systems to the use of alphabetic writing. In brief: what caused the invention of the Greek alphabet? who did it, a…
The purpose of this challenging book is to inquire systematically into the historical causes that underlay the radical shift from earlier and less efficient writing-systems to the use of alphabetic writing. In brief: what caused the invention of the Greek alphabet? who did it, a…
Drawing on up-to-date research, this book presents a comprehensive view of the epic tradition from Homer, through Virgil, Ariosto, Tasso, Spenser and a host of minor writers who helped create the idiom within which these authors worked, to the great achievements of John Milton.
"This book examines the overall testimony of Plato as an expert - albeit a hostile one - about the cultural legacy of Homeric performances at the Panathenaia. Plato's fine-tuned ear for language - not just any language but in this case the technical language of high-class artisa…
The nine essays in this volume focus on performance and audience reception of oral poetry, inviting us to rethink some key concepts for an understanding of traditional epic poetry. Egbert Bakker examines the epic performer's use of time and tense in recounting a past that is ali…