Hellenistic Poetry in Context

Edited by M.A. Harder Edited by R.F. Regtuit Edited by G.C. Wakker

Book cover: Hellenistic Poetry in Context

Extent: 359 pages

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Subjects: Classical Studies, Literary Studies

Series: Hellenistica Groningana

Series volume number: 20

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(May 2014)

ISBN: 9789042929852

Price: $80.00

Out of stock

This volume is devoted to Hellenistic poetry in the context of the contemporary world of third century Alexandria and beyond. This topic fits in with the increasing interest in the role of literature in ancient society in recent research, which has already been applied successfully to various aspects of Hellenistic poetry. The subject also has an added interest because for a long time there has been a tendency to regard this kind of poetry as art for art’s sake, a kind of autonomous poetry and display of virtuosity among scholar-poets, who indulged in being as sophisticated as possible without being in touch with the real world. This view has been rightly challenged in recent years and the articles in this volume reflect this new approach, as the authors investigate the ways in which Hellenistic poetry played a part in its social and cultural context.


This volume is devoted to Hellenistic poetry in the context of the contemporary world of third century Alexandria and beyond. This topic fits in with the increasing interest in the role of literature in ancient society in recent research, which has already been applied successfully to various aspects of Hellenistic poetry. The subject also has an added interest because for a long time there has been a tendency to regard this kind of poetry as art for art’s sake, a kind of autonomous poetry and display of virtuosity among scholar-poets, who indulged in being as sophisticated as possible without being in touch with the real world. This view has been rightly challenged in recent years and the articles in this volume reflect this new approach, as the authors investigate the ways in which Hellenistic poetry, played a part in its social and cultural context.

  • Edited by M.A. Harder
  • Edited by R.F. Regtuit
  • Edited by G.C. Wakker

"The collection as a whole is surely a symposiac feast (or perhaps a generous post-prandial carafe) of scholarship and a welcome addition to the distinguished series it joins. Collectively, the publications of the Workshops on Hellenistic Poetry have become one of the most important vehicles for new and innovative work in this active and productive field within the study of the ancient world. We are all deeply in the debt both of the editors and organizers and of the University of Groningen for bringing them to us." -- Robert Lamberton, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
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