Man and Animal in Severan Rome: The Literary Imagination of Claudius Aelianus

ISBN-13: 9781108401937 / Angielski / Miękka / 2017 / 320 str.

Steven D. Smith

Opis

This book argues that Aelian's highly influential compilation, De natura animalium, offers a sophisticated literary critique of Severan Rome.

Recenzje

'In this sophisticated book Aelian comes across as a hero with a universalizing literary project who combines an emphatic gaze on animals with a critical gaze on human culture and morality. Smith demonstrates deep insight into the age of this author, who has frequently been underestimated, not least, perhaps, because his topic is animals. Smith makes a convincing case for reading De natura animalium as a critique of Severan Rome, and he opens the reader's eyes to its ambiguities and anxieties in a fascinating way. The book is recommended for all who are interested in Roman culture and history, and especially those who study Roman literature and the literary imagination, as well as to students of ancient conceptions and uses of animals. I think they will enjoy it.' Ingvild Saelid Gilhus, Classical World

Spis treści

Introduction. Approaching the De natura animalium; 1. The independent intellectual; 2. Animals and agroikoi in Aelian's Rustic Letters; 3. The hazards of variety; 4. The Hellenized Roman; 5. Stoicism; 6. Animals, divinity, and myth; 7. Egypt and India; 8. The sexual animal; 9. Bees, lions, eagles: Aelian and kingship; 10. After animals: the women of the Varia Historia; Conclusion. 'Nature produces animals with many voices and many sounds, you might say ...'; Appendix: reconstructing Aelian's Katêgoria tou Gunnidos.