The Handbook Of Classical Literature
By (Author) Lillian Feder
Hachette Books
Da Capo Press Inc
22nd August 1998
United States
General
Non Fiction
880.03
Paperback
468
From Abdera (an ancient city in Thrace) to Zeus (chief god of the Greeks), this authoritative handbook covers all the major aspects of Greek and Roman literature, mythology, and civilization. It features over 950 entries on ancient writers, philosophers, and historians like Homer, Vergil, and Plato; famous as well as lesser-known writings like The Iliad, The Aeneid, and The Bacchae; chief gods and characters of mythology like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Narcissus; important terms and genres like poetic meter, tragedy, and satire; and other topics necessary to understanding the often complicated literature. Major works receive pages of close attention, with detailed summaries, historical and mythological background, scholarly references, critical commentary, and useful translation recommendations. The guidebook also provides insights into the stories, characters, ideas, and terminology that pervade literary classics as well as present-day writing and culture. Written in a lively and engaging style, The Handbook of Classical Literature serves as an accessible and reliable resource for students, scholars, and general readers.
Lillian Feder is Distinguished Professor Emerita of English, Classics, and Comparative Literature, Graduate School, City University of New York. She lives in New York City.