Oxford Companion to Classical Literature by Paul H. Harvey

"The book is indispensable to all serious students of classical literature. It is equally accessible to those who wish simply to trace an allusion or understand the inspiration behind so much Western art. All Greek is transliterated, and all Latin and Greek is translated. The main focus of the Companion is the lives and works of all the principal authors: biographical entries present the essential facts and sift conjectural evidence about their subjects. Meanwhile examinations of the major works extend to discussions of the philosophical dialogues and political speeches, and plot summaries of the epic poems and plays. There is ample coverage of the development of the various literary forms, such as epic, rhetoric, comedy, and tragedy, and a full explanation of poetic metre. Supplementing these articles are entries on the origins of the Greek and Latin alphabets and languages, and on books and writing, and the transmission of ancient texts. The Companion also puts classical literature into context. There is a wealth of articles on the political, social, and artistic achievements of the age. We learn about the political climate that produced the great speeches of Demosthenes and Cicero. Orators, statesmen, and generals stalk the pages. Major battles and conquests from the time of Alexander the Great to the Fall of Rome, vividly summarized by contemporary historians such as Thucydides and Cicero, are set out. Articles on social mores and religious beliefs help explain literary references, while philosophy, science, and art are celebrated-from Cynics to Stoics, astronomy to water clocks, and flute competitions to vase painting. The entries are supplemented by a chronological table and maps. The book is extensively cross-referenced, and its breadth and factual content make it a standard reference book for readers of classical and other Western literatures."

• Author: Paul H. Harvey
• Format: Hardcover
• Publication year: 1974
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9780198661030

Condition: Good. Book is good condition with DJ pre-owned - please see photos. Has gift plate inside cover

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