Augustan Culture by Karl Galinsky (PDF)

Description

Grand political accomplishment and artistic productivity were the hallmarks of Augustus Caesar’s reign (31 B.C. to A.D. 14), which has served as a powerful model of achievement for societies throughout Western history. Although much research has been done on individual facets of Augustan culture, Karl Galinsky’s book is the first in decades to present a unified overview, one that brings together political and social history, art, literature, architecture, and religion. Weaving analysis and narrative throughout a richly illustrated text, Galinsky provides not only an enjoyable account of the major ideas of the age, but also an interpretation of the creative tensions and contradictions that made for its vitality and influence. Galinsky draws on source material ranging from coins and inscriptions to the major works of poetry and art, and challenges the schematic concepts and dichotomies that have commonly been applied to Augustan culture. He demonstrates that this culture was neither monolithic nor the mere result of one man’s will. Instead it was a nuanced process of evolution and experimentation. Augustan culture had many contributors, as Galinsky demonstrates, and their dynamic interactions resulted in a high point of creativity and complexity that explains the transcendence of the Augustan age. Far from being static, its sophisticated literary and artistic monuments call for the active response and involvement of the reader and viewer even today.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “A thought provoking study that complements and integrates the fruits of many significant studies on individual elements of this major international ancient culture.” ― Choice Review “An important and fascinating book. The time is right for a work that interweaves Augustan history, literature, and art, and Karl Galinsky is one of the very few scholars who has enough expertise in all three areas to do this successfully … In sum, Augustan Culture is a book that makes the reader think and will help shape Augustan studies for the rest of the decade and well beyond.”―Diana E. E. Kleiner, Yale University From the Back Cover “An important and fascinating book. The time is right for a work that interweaves Augustan history, literature, and art, and Karl Galinsky is one of the very few scholars who has enough expertise in all three areas to do this successfully … In sum, Augustan Culture is a book that makes the reader think and will help shape Augustan studies for the rest of the decade and well beyond.”–Diana E. E. Kleiner, Yale University About the Author Karl Galinsky is the Floyd Cailloux Centennial Professor of Classics at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of many books including Classical and Modern Interactions: Postmodern Architecture, Multiculturalism, Decline, and Other Issues; Ovid’s Metamorphoses; and Aeneas, Sicily, and Rome (Princeton). Read more

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I took Professor Galinsky’s Intro to Ancient Rome class at the University of Texas at Austin. After having him in class and seeing what a wonderful, intelligent professor he was I did a little research on him. I eventually found he wrote a book and decided to read it. I must say his knowledge and insight into transformation of Roman culture during the reign of August is superb. A great read for scholars and dabblers alike.

⭐This is a readalbe and scholarly book that synthesizes all aspects of the high tide of Roman culture. It deals with literature, art, politics,architecture, you name it. I especially liked the intro. section on leadership styles: modern politicians could learn a bit from old Augustus. Should be of interest to anyone who likes Roman culture. But those who believe that Augustus was a totalitarian or a fascist will be disappointed. This is not Galinsky’s view!

⭐I first used this book for an undergraduate essay on whether Augustus’ famous “rem publicam ex mea potestate in senatus populique Romani arbitrium transtuli” meant what it seemed to.To my shame I read the key bits and then forgot to read the rest even though the bits I read have shaped my work and teaching since. I was glad therefore to pick the book back up and read it through more carefully and with attention to how certain passages can be made useful for school age learners.All Latin is translated; all ideas are thoroughly explored; illustrations abound; I think this is an excellent text.

⭐What more is there to say? This is a really interesting book that covers the topic thoroughly. The writing style is precise but accessible, so students or interested readers should have no problems. The book is also filled with lovely photographs that really bring the text to life. A superb book I am glad to have bought and would highly recommend.

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