New Heroes in Antiquity: From Achilles to Antinoos by Christopher P. Jones (Engl

The Nile on eBay   New Heroes in Antiquity by Christopher P. Jones

Heroes and heroines in antiquity inhabited a space somewhere between gods and humans. In this detailed, yet brilliantly wide-ranging analysis, Jones starts from literary heroes such as Achilles and moves to the historical record of those exceptional men and women who were worshiped after death.

FORMATHardcover LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

Heroes and heroines in antiquity inhabited a space somewhere between gods and humans. In this detailed, yet brilliantly wide-ranging analysis, Christopher Jones starts from literary heroes such as Achilles and moves to the historical record of those exceptional men and women who were worshiped after death. He asks why and how mortals were heroized, and what exactly becoming a hero entailed in terms of religious action and belief. He proves that the growing popularity of heroizing the dead-fallen warriors, family members, magnanimous citizens-represents not a decline from earlier practice but an adaptation to new contexts and modes of thought. The most famous example of this process is Hadrian's beloved, Antinoos, who can now be located within an ancient tradition of heroizing extraordinary youths who died prematurely. This book, wholly new and beautifully written, rescues the hero from literary metaphor and vividly restores heroism to the reality of ancient life.

Notes

This is an outstandingly interesting and important work about ancient Greek 'heroes,' undoubtedly a fresh and original contribution to the literature. It is beautifully written--a real pleasure to read. I devoured it at one sitting. -- Simon Hornblower, University College of London Once again, Christopher Jones brilliantly illuminates the intricate complicities between religion and politics in the ancient world. With his deft scholarship and graceful style, Jones weaves together archaeology, history, poetry and philosophy, bringing to life a world in which outstanding service, valor, or talent could be rewarded, if not with full immortality, then at least with everlasting honors. -- Glenn Most, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa/University of Chicago

Author Biography

Christopher P. Jones is George Martin Lane Professor of the Classics and of History, Emeritus, at Harvard University.

Table of Contents

* Acknowledgments * List of Illustrations * Introduction * Poetic Heroes * Local Heroes * Warriors and Patriots * Athletes, Poets, Philosophers * Private Heroes * Greek Heroes in a Roman World * Antinoos * Heroes and Saints * Appendix: Living Heroes? * Notes * Index

Review

This is an outstandingly interesting and important work about ancient Greek 'heroes,' undoubtedly a fresh and original contribution to the literature. It is beautifully written--a real pleasure to read. I devoured it at one sitting. -- Simon Hornblower, University College of LondonOnce again, Christopher Jones brilliantly illuminates the intricate complicities between religion and politics in the ancient world. With his deft scholarship and graceful style, Jones weaves together archaeology, history, poetry and philosophy, bringing to life a world in which outstanding service, valor, or talent could be rewarded, if not with full immortality, then at least with everlasting honors. -- Glenn Most, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa/University of ChicagoIt's an excellent book. -- Mary Beard * New York Review of Books online *The quiet accumulation of data in this short but massively documented study sounds out many registers of ancient heroism--from Odysseus' uncanny libation of blood into a trench for the thirsty ghosts, through the domestic dignity of Attic reliefs, and eventually to Roman flights of fancy about the Elysian Fields, now reassuringly open to all the blessed dead. -- Jane Lightfoot * Times Literary Supplement *

Promotional

This is an outstandingly interesting and important work about ancient Greek 'heroes,' undoubtedly a fresh and original contribution to the literature. It is beautifully written--a real pleasure to read. I devoured it at one sitting. -- Simon Hornblower, University College of London Once again, Christopher Jones brilliantly illuminates the intricate complicities between religion and politics in the ancient world. With his deft scholarship and graceful style, Jones weaves together archaeology, history, poetry and philosophy, bringing to life a world in which outstanding service, valor, or talent could be rewarded, if not with full immortality, then at least with everlasting honors. -- Glenn Most, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa/University of Chicago

Review Quote

This is an outstandingly interesting and important work about ancient Greek 'heroes,' undoubtedly a fresh and original contribution to the literature. It is beautifully written--a real pleasure to read. I devoured it at one sitting.

Details ISBN0674035860 Author Christopher P. Jones Short Title NEW HEROES IN ANTIQUITY Publisher Harvard University Press Series Revealing Antiquity Language English ISBN-10 0674035860 ISBN-13 9780674035867 Media Book Format Hardcover DEWEY 292.211 Series Number 18 Year 2010 Imprint Harvard University Press Subtitle From Achilles to Antinoos Place of Publication Cambridge, Mass Country of Publication United States Illustrations 10 halftones Birth 1940 Affiliation Harvard University UK Release Date 2010-01-01 AU Release Date 2010-01-01 NZ Release Date 2010-01-01 US Release Date 2010-01-01 Pages 144 Publication Date 2010-01-01 Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this

At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it.With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love!

TheNile_Item_ID:23193180;