Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography

A study of the various claims to authority made by the ancient Greek and Roman historians throughout their histories.

John Marincola (Author)

9780521480192, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 July 1997

380 pages
23.7 x 16.1 x 2.8 cm, 0.66 kg

'… quite outstanding … Marincola exercises a complete and a masterly control over the great mass of material he presents. This book is a 'must'.' Greece and Rome

This book is a study of the various claims to authority made by the ancient Greek and Roman historians throughout their histories and is the first to examine all aspects of the historian's self-presentation. It shows how each historian claimed veracity by imitating, modifying, and manipulating the traditions established by his predecessors. Beginning with a discussion of the tension between individuality and imitation, it then categorises and analyses the recurring style used to establish the historian's authority: how he came to write history; the qualifications he brought to the task; the inquiries and efforts he made in his research; and his claims to possess a reliable character. By detailing how each historian used the tradition to claim and maintain his own authority, the book contributes to a better understanding of the complex nature of ancient historiography.

Introduction
1. The call to history
2. The historian's inquiry
3. The historian's character
4. The historian's deeds
5. The 'lonely' historian
Conclusion
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]