Valerius Flaccus and Imperial Latin Epic [Hardcover]

This book explores the reception of Valerius Flaccus'Argonauticain the epic poems of Silius Italicus, Statius, and Claudian. Through analysing intertextual allusions to theArgonauticain these poems and their effects, it provides new clarity to the literary history of the Flavian period (69-96 CE).This is the first book-length study of the reception of Valerius Flaccus'Argonauticain the epic poems of Silius Italicus (Punica), Statius (Thebaid,Achilleid), and Claudian (De Raptu Proserpinae). It sheds new light on the importance of Valerius' poem and enhances our understanding of the intertextual richness of imperial Latin epic. The readings offered in this book provide new evidence to support the view that Valerius'Argonauticapredates thePunicaandThebaid, thus helping to clarify the literary history of the Flavian period (69-96 CE). Stover shows how Silius, Statius, and Claudian use programmatic allusion to theArgonauticato present themselves as Valerius' epic successors. Silius, Statius, and Claudian rework Valerian material to achieve various effects; analysis of these effects is organized by the primary function of allusive interactions, such as 'reversal', 'enrichment', and 'contrast'.This study is essential for scholars of Latin epic poetry. Yet the Greek and Latin of its close readings are translated, making it accessible to all readers interested in intertextuality, comparative literature, and other related topics.AbbreviationsIntroduction1. Silius Italicus' Punica2. The Thebaid's Argonautic Program3. Statius' Thebaid4. Statius' Achilleid5. Claudian's De Raptu ProserpinaeConclusionReferencesIndex of PassagesGeneral IndexTim Stover,Associate Professor of Classics, Florida State UniversityTim Stoveris an Associate Professor at Florida State University who specializes in Latin poetry. In addition to articles on Lucretius, Vergil, Seneca, Lucls!