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Augustan Culture
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.
-- "Choice"
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.
-- "Choice"
474 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 31, 2012
This is a re-read for me, but a good one. It had changed my thinking about the Augustan poets and the degree of state control that was even possible at the time. It was good to be reminded of some nuances that I'd forgotten and to re-read the sections on archaology in light of my more recent interest in the topic.
March 3, 2018
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.
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.
December 16, 2010
I love, love Karl Galinsky (former professor of mine at UT) and his books regarding culture during the age of Augustus rock! This subject matter is Galinsky's area of expertise and all of his books--particularly this one--are enjoyable to read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews