Description
Book SynopsisThe book aims to redefine the significance of the work of Valerius Maxiums, author of The Memorable Deeds of the Men of Rome and Foreign Nations and is likely to become the standard reference work on this author.
Trade ReviewA welcome addition to the field of Valerian studies, . . . An important contribution to the study of Valerius and, more generally, to the place of exemplarity and the anecdote in the transmission of ideological values in Roman culture. * Journal of Roman Studies, Vol. 87 *
This book has a number of advantages. Unlike Valerius, it is extremely accessible: the argument is broken down into brief chapters, and translations follow the quotations. It provides a good introductory discussion to the centrality of exempla in Roman life and thought, and it offers a challenge to the traditional approach to Valerius. * Bryn Mawr, Classical Review *
Table of Contents
- Part 1
- The subject: Teaching by examples - Greek
- Teaching by examples - Roman
- Quintilian and Seneca
- Part 2
- The form: Conveniece
- "Chreiai", apopthegmata and other compilations; the Roman tradition
- Part 3
- The work: Valerius's moral purpose
- Valerius's choice of examples
- Valerius's criteria of belief.
- Part 4
- Author and audience: The audience
- The author
