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A thought provoking study that complements and integrates the fruits of many significant studies on individual elements of this major international ancient culture. -- "Choice
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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.
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FEW CULTURAL periods in the history of the world have taken their name from their rulers for intrinsic rather than convenient reasons: political power and cultural creativity are not often related. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
FEW CULTURAL periods in the history of the world have taken their name from their rulers for intrinsic rather than convenient reasons: political power and cultural creativity are not often related. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Galinsky is an American academic classicist and so you can rely on his interpretations being backed up by research and notes, even if you don't necessarily agree with all his ideas. This is a stimulating and enlightening book which takes an integrative approach to the phenomenon of Augustan culture: architecture, literature, idea/values/ideals. He sets the scene with some history of the rise of Augustus, the wars with Antony and the establishment of the principate, but then goes deeply in an analysis of the results.
Personally I don't like Galinsky's literary interpretations, especially his reading of the Aeneid, but that aside this is an excellent book bringing together all the strands that make up culture and putting them into a Roman context. His discussion of the multiple meanings of key roman concepts such as 'clemency', 'virtue', 'romaness', 'fidelity' is both deeply enlightening and fascinating.
Probably this is a bit heavy for the amateur enthusiast but for students of the period it is essential and an excellent antidote to the very different (but equally excellent, in my view) Symes' Roman Revolution.
Personally I don't like Galinsky's literary interpretations, especially his reading of the Aeneid, but that aside this is an excellent book bringing together all the strands that make up culture and putting them into a Roman context. His discussion of the multiple meanings of key roman concepts such as 'clemency', 'virtue', 'romaness', 'fidelity' is both deeply enlightening and fascinating.
Probably this is a bit heavy for the amateur enthusiast but for students of the period it is essential and an excellent antidote to the very different (but equally excellent, in my view) Symes' Roman Revolution.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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5 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
A very good book
21 Dec 1999
Format:Paperback
Not many monographs can successfully and thoroughly describe an era so complex and multi-dimensional as the Age of Augustus. Galinsky's book may be numbered among those works that will be welcomed by both a specialist classicist and a general reader. Far from simply surveying the various departments of culture during a certain period, it advances an interpretation of perhaps the most complex era in the evolution of Roman history and culture as a whole. The book treats the general reader with a jargon-free, yet accurate and informative discussion of the politics, religion, literature, moral culture and ideas, art and architecture of Augustus' times; at the same time, the classicist will also find an interpretation that proves to be strong, serious, and weightily argued. Auctoritas, the root behind Augustus name, becomes the nucleus around which all spheres of Roman politics and culture revolve. The book begins with an exemplary discussion of the notion of "aucotoritas" and then moves on to explore how "auctoritas" as well as other major lines of Augustus' policy, such as the interaction between tradition and innovation, or public and private. Each of the chapters two through six discuss the "Augustan" influence in, respectively, politics, ideals and values, religion, art and architecture, religion, and literature. Chapter seven discusses the strong presence of Hellenism in Augustus' Rome. I would highly recommend it.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
comprehensive and insightful
18 Dec 1999
Format:Paperback
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!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Review by Former Student
22 April 2007
Format:Paperback
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.
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