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Greek 'literary' epigrams constitute one of the most versatile and dynamic poetic forms in the Hellenistic period. Originally modeled on the anonymous epitaphs and dedications inscribed on monuments throughout antiquity, these short poems came to include a variety of subtypes and served as a vehicle for Hellenistic poets to experiment with themes and motifs from other genres. This edition introduces students to a wide selection of epigrams from the third and second centuries BCE. It provides substantial help in construing the Greek and will be appropriate for those approaching the genre for the first time, whilst also containing material of interest to scholars. It includes work by the most important epigrammatists of this period, with substantial attention paid to the way these poets engage with the epigraphic and literary traditions. The Introduction provides an overview of the history of the genre and of its formal features, including dialect and meter.
List of contents
Introduction: 1. The Origins of Literary Epigram; 2. 'Genres' of Hellenistic Epigram; 3. 'Fictive' and 'Inscribed' Epigrams; 4. Formal and Literary Aspects of Hellenistic Epigrams; 5. Transmission; 6. Organizing Principles of this Anthology; Epigrams; Commentary.
About the author
Alexander Sens is Markos and Eleni Tsakopoulos–Kounalakis Chair of Hellenic Studies and Professor of Classics at Georgetown University. He has been recognized for his teaching and has substantial experience in writing commentaries. He has particular expertise in the area of Hellenistic epigrams, having produced a full-length edition of Asclepiades of Samos and a number of shorter studies on the genre.
Summary
Greek 'literary' epigrams constitute one of the most versatile and dynamic poetic forms in the Hellenistic period. This edition introduces students to this variable genre. It provides substantial grammatical and linguistic help to less experienced readers of Greek, whilst its interpretive material will also be of interest to scholars.
