Longus: Daphnis and Chloe

Detailed commentary on what is arguably the finest surviving Greek novel, exploring language, style and literary influences and aspirations.

Longus (Author), Ewen Bowie (Edited by)

9780521772204, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 July 2019

346 pages
22.3 x 14.2 x 2 cm, 0.57 kg

Longus' Daphnis and Chloe is arguably our finest surviving Greek novel. Written under the Roman Empire and engaging with romantic, pastoral and rhetorical themes, the story and characterisation have captured the imaginations of artists over the centuries. Despite a growing interest in ancient novels over the past half-century, this is the first full commentary to address Longus' linguistic texture and its implications for his literary aspirations, as well as his narrative skills and intertextuality with earlier Greek writers. The commentary provides a detailed analysis of Longus' Greek and its relation to other Greek prose and poetry of the second century AD and earlier, and emphasises the construction and style of the original text, drawing out key points for clarification and discussion. A wide-ranging introduction ensures that this book will be an indispensable guide for teachers and students of all levels who are looking to engage with Longus' writing.

Introduction
1. The text and the story
2. Longus' poetic intertexts
3. Longus' exploitation of earlier prose texts
4. Poetic elements in Longus' prose?
5. Religion
6. City and country
7. Art and nature
8. Style and language
9. Syntax
10. Choice of words
11. Longus' non-Attic lexicon and date
12. Reception and transmission
13. The text and commentary
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Commentary.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers [DSK], Translation & interpretation [CFP]