Statius, Poet between Rome and Naples
By Carole E. Newlands, professor of classics
Bloomsbury Publishing
This book examines the poetry of Statius (c. 40-96 AD), in relation to significant social and cultural issues of his day, in particular shifting attitudes to Hellenism, gender and Roman imperialism. It also discusses the reception of Statius' poetry in the Middle Ages, when his reputation was at its zenith.
Medieval interpretations of Statius' epics suggest that their popularity rested in part on the prominence they give to female action and the female voice, thus suggesting new expressive and generic possibilities.
Review:
“This book covers different aspect of Statius’ poetry, and has the merit of bringing together in one volume discussions of both the epic poems as well as the Silvae. This work offers a fresh and balanced view of more traditional topics of discussion such as the role of Statius as a court-poet and the new values promoted in the ecphrastic poems. At the same time, the examination of the reception of Statius and the Thebaid in the Middle Ages represents a step forward in the appreciation of a poet who too often has been overshadowed by other Classical authors... In conclusion, this volume does justice to Statius the author both among his contemporaries and later followers and critics, and offers a more balanced appreciation of Statius’ complex literary dynamics.”
Link to publication on Amazon.com
Date of publication: January 17, 2013
Bloomsbury Publishing
This book examines the poetry of Statius (c. 40-96 AD), in relation to significant social and cultural issues of his day, in particular shifting attitudes to Hellenism, gender and Roman imperialism. It also discusses the reception of Statius' poetry in the Middle Ages, when his reputation was at its zenith.
Medieval interpretations of Statius' epics suggest that their popularity rested in part on the prominence they give to female action and the female voice, thus suggesting new expressive and generic possibilities.
Review:
“This book covers different aspect of Statius’ poetry, and has the merit of bringing together in one volume discussions of both the epic poems as well as the Silvae. This work offers a fresh and balanced view of more traditional topics of discussion such as the role of Statius as a court-poet and the new values promoted in the ecphrastic poems. At the same time, the examination of the reception of Statius and the Thebaid in the Middle Ages represents a step forward in the appreciation of a poet who too often has been overshadowed by other Classical authors... In conclusion, this volume does justice to Statius the author both among his contemporaries and later followers and critics, and offers a more balanced appreciation of Statius’ complex literary dynamics.”
– Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Link to publication on Amazon.com
Date of publication: January 17, 2013