A Companion to Classical Receptions

From antiquity to the present, Greek and Roman literature, drama, myths, ideas and art have influenced every aspect of human achievement. Examining the profusion of ways in which the arts, culture and thought of Greece and Rome have been transmitted, interpreted, adapted and used, this volume explores the impact of this phenomenon on both ancient and later societies. A Companion to Classical Receptions is a comprehensive guide to the field that combines close readings of key receptions with wider contextualization and discussion. The volume brings together essays on ancient and modern reception concepts and practices, and focuses on key turning points and areas of convergence and divergence. Contributors explore the impact of Greek and Roman culture worldwide, including discussions of new research on Arabic literature, South African drama, the history of photography and contemporary ethics. The book challenges readers to reassess their assumptions about both the ancient and the modern world, and reveals the vitality of classical culture and its centrality to modern debates.