A Companion to Tacitus

Victoria Emma Pagán (Edited by), VE Pagan (Author)

9781405190329, Wiley

Hardback, published 30 December 2011

624 pages
25.3 x 18.1 x 3.4 cm, 1.125 kg

“In sum, this volume is highly recommended – to the novice or the expert alike – in its multiple forms and functions: as an effective introduction to the works of Tacitus; as a refresher on Tacitus’ formative role in shaping Latin historiographical practice and the reception of Latin historical writing by contemporary and modern readerships; as a collection of critically nuanced responses to the literary sophistication of Tacitus’ approaches to producing meaning in its many guises; and as a curative for critiques of Tacitus’ writing which fail to recognize the richness of his intellectual palette.”  (Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 31 February 2014)

A Companion to Tacitus brings much needed clarity and accessibility to the notoriously difficult language and yet indispensable historical accounts of Tacitus. The companion provides both a broad introduction and showcases new theoretical approaches that enrich our understanding of this complex author.

• Tacitus is one of the most important Roman historians of his time, as well as a great literary stylist, whose work is characterized by his philosophy of human nature
• Encourages interdisciplinary discussion intended to engage scholars beyond Classics including philosophy, cultural studies, political science, and literature
• Showcases new theoretical approaches that enrich our understanding of this complex author
• Clarifies and explains the notoriously difficult language of Tacitus
• Written and designed to prepare a new generation of scholars to examine for themselves the richness of Tacitean thought
• Includes contributions from a broad range of established international scholars and rising stars in the field
  

Notes on Contributors viii

Abbreviations xiii

Subject Areas: History [HB]