Description
Book Synopsis: Alexander the Great, according to Plutarch, carried on his campaigns a copy of the Iliad, kept alongside a dagger; on a more pronounced ideological level, ancient Romans looked to the Aeneid as an argument for imperialism. In this major reinterpretation of epic poetry beginning with Virgil, David Quint explores the political context and meanings of key works in Western literature. He divides the history of the genre into two political traditions: the Virgilian epics of conquest and empire that take the victors' side (the Aeneid itself, Camoes's Lusíadas, Tasso's Gerusalemme liberata) and the countervailing epic of the defeated and of republican liberty (Lucan's Pharsalia, Ercilla's Araucana, and d'Aubigné's Les tragiques). These traditions produce opposing ideas of historical narrative: a linear, teleological narrative that belongs to the imperial conquerors, and an episodic and open-ended narrative identified with "romance," the story told of and by the defeated. Quint situates Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained within these rival traditions. He extends his political analysis to the scholarly revival of medieval epic in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and to Sergei Eisenstein's epic film, Alexander Nevsky. Attending both to the topical contexts of individual poems and to the larger historical development of the epic genre, Epic and Empire provides new models for exploring the relationship between ideology and literary form.
Details
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of epic poetry with the groundbreaking book, Epic and Empire. Written by esteemed author David Quint, this remarkable work delves deep into the rich political context and profound meanings behind some of the most influential epics in Western literature. From ancient masterpieces like the Iliad, cherished by none other than Alexander the Great himself, to modern classics like Paradise Lost, Quint unveils the intricate connection between epic poetry and the ideologies that shaped empires throughout history.
Unlock the secrets of Virgilian epics that exalt conquest and empire, such as the renowned Aeneid. Follow the epic journeys of heroes like Aeneas as they shape the course of history and embody the triumph of powerful nations. Contrastingly, explore the countervailing epics of defeat and struggle for republican liberty, like Lucan's Pharsalia, which weave episodic narratives of resilience and the will to resist.
But the journey doesn't end there. Quint goes beyond the confines of the past, examining the scholarly revival of medieval epic in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and even the epic film Alexander Nevsky by Sergei Eisenstein. By revealing the intricate relationship between historical narrative and literary form, Epic and Empire showcases new perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom.
If you're a lover of literature, history, or both, this book is an absolute must-read. Expand your understanding of epic poetry, discover fresh insights into the profound impact of ideologies, and embark on a journey through time that will captivate your imagination. Don't miss the opportunity to grab your copy of Epic and Empire now.
Click here to start your epic adventure today!
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