Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography

John Marincola author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:8th Jul '04

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography cover

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

This book is a study of the various claims to authority made by the ancient Greek and Roman historians throughout their histories, and of the way in which the tradition of ancient historiography shaped their responses and moulded the presentation of themselves to their audience.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.

'… the right man for the right job, in the right place at the right time … John Marincola offers a sober presentation of the historians' remarks about themselves and their conceptions of their role: a thought-provoking phalanx of upbeat position-statements, and awesome lines in self-marketing.' J. G. W. Henderson, The Times Literary Supplement
'… 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

ISBN: 9780521545785

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 21mm

Weight: 560g

380 pages