The Shade of Homer A Study in Modern Greek Poetry [Hardcover]

This 1989 book explores the significance of Homer for the poetry of modern Greece.In exploring the significance of Homer for the poetry of modern Greece Dr Ricks is tackling a theme that has implications for the study of poetic influence in general. In this 1989 book he takes the work of Sikelianos, Cavafy and Seferis and subjects a selection of poems that deal with specifically Homeric themes to a careful scrutiny.In exploring the significance of Homer for the poetry of modern Greece Dr Ricks is tackling a theme that has implications for the study of poetic influence in general. In this 1989 book he takes the work of Sikelianos, Cavafy and Seferis and subjects a selection of poems that deal with specifically Homeric themes to a careful scrutiny.In exploring the significance of Homer for the poetry of Modern Greece, Dr. Ricks is tackling a theme that has implications for the study of poetic influence in general. He takes the work of Sikelianos, Cavafy and Seferis and subjects a selection of poems that deal with specifically Homeric themes to a careful scrutiny. All Greek is translated, modern poets from outside Greece find their way into the discussion, and the reader has no need to be a specialist in Greek to find this study absorbing and instructive.Introduction: Homer and the modern Greek poets; Part I. Homer in the New Greece: The Spirit and the Letter: 1. Kalvos and Solomos; 2. Archaism and kleftism; 3. Palamas; Part II. Sikelianos: 4. The Homeric inheritance; 5. Greek romanticism comes of age; 6. Beyond Homer; Part III. Cavafy: 7. Modes of misquotation; 8. Ancient days; 9. Homer into history; Part IV. Seferis: 10. Scholia; 11. Ulysses/Disseas; 12. Homer and the poetic vocation; 13. Beyond the folk tradition; 14. Spirit and letter in 'The King of Asine'; Reflections; Further reading; References; Index. ...an invaluable guide to the poetry of modern Greece. His study is informed by a command of Homeric poetry and a long familiarity with the Iliad and Odyssey thl(