This paper deals with some images of the book in late antique Greek poetry. First of all, I take into account the complex relationship of Nonnus of Panopolis with the Homeric model, showing that the Nonnian definition «Book of Homer» (instead of «Homer» or «Homeric poetry») is due to the new image of Homer typical of Late Antiquity: Homeric poems were considered Sacred Books, both by pagans and Christians authors, and their author was regarded as a holy man. In the multi-faceted imagery of book in llate antique literature, I focus on one aspect, not adequately explored, that is the book which becomes object of poetic activity. Poetry on books and books preserving poetry are two sides of the same coin underlying many variations: books as guardians of memory (for example, very frequently in the particular genre of «Book epigrams»), the glory for those who preserve books and correct texts, books that contains within themselves all the books. Finally, I briefly discuss the ideological project of Christian centos, poems based on the idea that the Book of Homer can be dismantled and reassembled in order to highlight the truth of Christian Faith.
Libro della poesia e poesia del libro nella tarda antichità
Gianfranco Agosti
2010-01-01
Abstract
This paper deals with some images of the book in late antique Greek poetry. First of all, I take into account the complex relationship of Nonnus of Panopolis with the Homeric model, showing that the Nonnian definition «Book of Homer» (instead of «Homer» or «Homeric poetry») is due to the new image of Homer typical of Late Antiquity: Homeric poems were considered Sacred Books, both by pagans and Christians authors, and their author was regarded as a holy man. In the multi-faceted imagery of book in llate antique literature, I focus on one aspect, not adequately explored, that is the book which becomes object of poetic activity. Poetry on books and books preserving poetry are two sides of the same coin underlying many variations: books as guardians of memory (for example, very frequently in the particular genre of «Book epigrams»), the glory for those who preserve books and correct texts, books that contains within themselves all the books. Finally, I briefly discuss the ideological project of Christian centos, poems based on the idea that the Book of Homer can be dismantled and reassembled in order to highlight the truth of Christian Faith.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
