This book explores central aspects of the period in Latin literature often depreciatingly termed 'Silver'. It is unusual in embracing both poetry and prose, and in offering close literary discussion of a large number of particular passages. It is not a history, but a selective and comparative study--throwing fresh light on the period as a whole, on individual authors, and on differences and affinities between genres. Most space is given to epic and tragedy, and
to the prose of Seneca and Tacitus; but Juvenal, Martial, the Younger Pliny, and other authors are also treated. The book also considers large features of genre and relates these to fundamental
elements of style and to the treatment of some vital themes. It aims to give the reader a feeling for this brilliant, and extraordinary writing, and a sense of the excitement and fascination of the literary period. All Latin in the text is translated.
Industry Reviews
`His achievement ... is to uncover a wide range of different tones, views and techniques and expound them all with unflagging enthusiasm ... this is a valuable book, providing clear, learned and totally committed interpretations of authors, some of whom have suffered undeserved neglect.'
The Times Literary Supplement
'with his latest book Hutchinson has moved beyond his master to survey an even larger field in Latin, in a way that few living scholars could ... It goes without saying that the new book is full of important points of detail, and that it is essential reading for anyone working on Silver Latin.'
Greece and Rome, October 1993
'The man who prefers Seneca to Cicero and Livy is a rare bird, but Hutchinson writes with missionary zeal ... his advocacy is bravely committed.'
Times Higher Education Supplement
'the results afford some unexpected pleasures along the way, and the bibliography and notes are excellent. The volume should give further impetus to the rehabilitation of this unjustly neglected field of Latin literature.'
A M Keith
'This work will add to our understanding of at least some of the asuthors surveyed. The book maintains the usual high Clarendon Press standards.'
C.D.N. Costa, University of Birmingham, The Classical Review, Vol. XLIV, No. 1, 1994
'This book will be widely consulted by scholars and students working in the area.'
illiam J Dominik, University of Natal, Durban, Scholia, Vol. 3, 1994