Flavian Epic

This edited collection compiles significant modern scholarship on Flavian epic poetry, exploring the works of Silius Italicus, Statius, and Valerius Flaccus while addressing themes like intertextuality, gender, and political context.

Flavian Epic is a comprehensive collection that brings together six decades of scholarly research on the significant yet often overlooked Flavian epic poetry. This edited volume serves as a vital resource for both scholars and students, offering an updated and thorough overview of the field. It focuses on the works of the three prominent Flavian poets: Silius Italicus, Statius, and Valerius Flaccus. Recent scholarship has shifted the perception of Flavian poetry, highlighting its unique contributions beyond mere imitation of classical traditions.

The book covers a diverse range of topics, integrating analyses and interpretations of individual poems throughout its chapters. This approach not only enriches the reader's understanding of the texts but also illustrates the complexity of Flavian poetry as it engages with various themes. The contributors present a multitude of critical perspectives, addressing issues such as intertextuality, gender dynamics, poetics, and the socio-political landscape of the Flavian period. This plurality of voices allows for a more nuanced exploration of the poems and their contexts.

Ultimately, Flavian Epic demonstrates how the innovative works of Flavian poets engage in a rich intertextual dialogue with their literary predecessors. Through this engagement, these epics articulate contemporary concerns, expressing both overt admiration and subtle anxieties regarding imperial authority and the broader imperial framework. This collection not only highlights the artistic merits of Flavian poetry but also situates it within the historical and cultural currents of its time.