Description
Politics and Divinization in Augustan Poetry offers a new interpretation of one of the most prominent themes in Latin poetry, the divinization of Augustus, and argues that this theme functioned as a language of political science for the early Augustan poets as they tried to come to terms with Rome's transformation from Republic to Principate. Examining an extensive body of texts ranging from Virgil's Eclogues to Horace's final book of the Odes (covering a period roughly from 43 BC to 13 BC), this study highlights the multifaceted metaphorical force of divinizing language, as well as the cultural complications of divinization. Through a series of close readings, this book challenges the view that poetic images of Augustus' divinization merely reflect the poets' attitude towards Augustus or their recognition of his power, and puts forward a new understanding of this motif as an evolving discourse through which the first generation of Augustan poets articulated, interrogated, and negotiated Rome's shift towards authoritarianism.
About the Author
Bobby Xinyue specializes in Latin literature of the Augustan age and its reception in the early modern period. He held teaching positions at the universities of Exeter and Warwick, before being awarded a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2018. He has also been the recipient of research awards from institutions including UCL, the University of Virginia, and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute. Bobby Xinyue has published on the works of Cicero, Virgil, Horace, and Propertius, as well as a number of Renaissance Latin poets. He currently teaches and conducts research on Latin literature at Kings College London.
Reviews
The volume will be useful to literary critics and historians interested in exploring current trends of research on Roman religion in the Augustan age and will surely foster future debate on the theme. * Adalberto Magnavacca, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
This book warrants the close attention of those working on the history of the Augustan age, and will be of interest to anyone who wishes to think harder about the interplay between literature and power. * Arys, 21, 2023 *
The book might be of interest for those seeking historical perspective on current events... Xinyue's argument is a thorough, precise and sound analysis of the evidence under consideration. * A. Everett Beek, CJ-Online *
It should be useful to scholars working on these authors as well as students of Roman social history. * Aven McMaster, The Claasical Review *
Bobby Xinyue's excellent monograph explores how narratives of divinisation intertwine with Octavian's progressive afirmation of his individual power...very well written and well-argued book * Simona Martorana., JRS 2023 *
Xinyue shows very successfully that the theme of Augustus' deification provides the poets of the time with a powerful means for a nuanced articulation of what Augustus' rise to a unique position of power meant for Rome and Roman poetry, as well as more generally for the interplay of political power and poetic authority. * Anke Walter, Greece & Rome *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192855978
Author Bobby Xinyue
Format Hardback
Page Count 252
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 542g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 162mm * 20mm
About the Author
Bobby Xinyue specializes in Latin literature of the Augustan age and its reception in the early modern period. He held teaching positions at the universities of Exeter and Warwick, before being awarded a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2018. He has also been the recipient of research awards from institutions including UCL, the University of Virginia, and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute. Bobby Xinyue has published on the works of Cicero, Virgil, Horace, and Propertius, as well as a number of Renaissance Latin poets. He currently teaches and conducts research on Latin literature at Kings College London.
Reviews
The volume will be useful to literary critics and historians interested in exploring current trends of research on Roman religion in the Augustan age and will surely foster future debate on the theme. * Adalberto Magnavacca, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
This book warrants the close attention of those working on the history of the Augustan age, and will be of interest to anyone who wishes to think harder about the interplay between literature and power. * Arys, 21, 2023 *
The book might be of interest for those seeking historical perspective on current events... Xinyue's argument is a thorough, precise and sound analysis of the evidence under consideration. * A. Everett Beek, CJ-Online *
It should be useful to scholars working on these authors as well as students of Roman social history. * Aven McMaster, The Claasical Review *
Bobby Xinyue's excellent monograph explores how narratives of divinisation intertwine with Octavian's progressive afirmation of his individual power...very well written and well-argued book * Simona Martorana., JRS 2023 *
Xinyue shows very successfully that the theme of Augustus' deification provides the poets of the time with a powerful means for a nuanced articulation of what Augustus' rise to a unique position of power meant for Rome and Roman poetry, as well as more generally for the interplay of political power and poetic authority. * Anke Walter, Greece & Rome *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192855978
Author Bobby Xinyue
Format Hardback
Page Count 252
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 542g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 162mm * 20mm
