Food and transformation in ancient Mediterranean literature / by Meredith J.C. Warren.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Warren, Meredith J. C., author.

Series:

Writings from the Greco-Roman world supplement series ; Number 14.

Writings from the Greco-Roman world Supplement series ; Number 14

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Food--Religious aspects.

Food.

Classical literature--History and criticism.

Classical literature.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (207 pages).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Atlanta : SBL Press, [2019]

Summary:

New research that transforms how to understand food and eating in literature Meredith J. C. Warren identifies and defines a new genre in ancient texts that she terms hierophagy , a specific type of transformational eating where otherworldly things are consumed. Multiple ancient Mediterranean, Jewish, and Christian texts represent the ramifications of consuming otherworldly food, ramifications that were understood across religious boundaries. Reading ancient texts through the lens of hierophagy helps scholars and students interpret difficult passages in Joseph and Aseneth, 4 Ezra, Revelation 10, and the Persephone myths, among others. Features: Exploration of how ancient literature relies on bending, challenging, inverting, and parodying cultural norms in order to make meaning out of genres Analysis of hierophagy as social action that articulates how patterns of communication across texts and cultures emerge and diverge A new understanding of previously confounding scenes of literary eating

Contents:

Persephone traditions

4 Ezra

Revelation

Joseph and Aseneth

Apuleius's metamorphoses

The passion of Perpetua and Felicitas.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

0-88414-357-0