Catullus in Verona : a reading of the elegiac Libellus, poems 65-116 / Marilyn B. Skinner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Skinner, Marilyn B.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Catullus, Gaius Valerius. Carmen 65-116.

Catullus, Gaius Valerius.

Catullus, Gaius Valerius--Knowledge and learning--Verona (Italy).

Elegiac poetry, Latin--History and criticism.

Elegiac poetry, Latin.

Verona (Italy)--In literature.

Verona (Italy).

Physical Description:

xl, 256 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Columbus : Ohio State University Press, [2003]

Summary:

Gaius Valerius Catullus is one of Rome's greatest poets and also one of the most popular Latin writers. Comprehensive treatments of his work have been hindered, however, by the problems posed by the Catullan collection as it has come down to us. Although many scholars now believe that Catullus did publish his verse in one or more small volumes (libelli), the theory that these books were rearranged after his death means that individual pieces continue to be read and analyzed separately, without reference to their placement within the collection. Skinner challenges this theory of posthumous editorship by offering a unified reading of Catullus' elegiac poetry (poems 65-116 in our collection) and arguing that it constitutes what was once a separately circulated libellus whose authorial arrangement has been preserved intact. Purportedly issued from the poet's native city, Verona, to his Roman readership, the volume presents itself as a valedictory. This reading of the elegiac collection represents a major departure in Catullus studies. The methodological contention that Catullus' elegiac poems are better approached as a single cohesive poetic statement makes this book a valuable new contribution to Catullan scholarship.

Contents:

Introduction: The Hermeneutics of the Libellus xix

1. Carmina Battiadae 1

2. The Veronese Suite 29

3. Lesbia and Language 60

4. Fecund Corruption 96

5. A House Begun in Vain 143

Epilogue: Schwabe Revisited 181.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-243) and indexes.

ISBN:

0814209378

OCLC:

51817292