The Gospel 'According to Homer and Virgil': Cento and Canon

Karl Olav Sandnes

The Gospel 'According to Homer and Virgil': Cento and Canon
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Brill
Country
Published
14 February 2011
Pages
280
ISBN
9789004187184

The Gospel ‘According to Homer and Virgil’: Cento and Canon

Karl Olav Sandnes

In the fourth century C.E. some Christians paraphrased the stories about Jesus’ life in the style of classical epics. Imitating the genre of centos, they stitched together lines taken either from Homer (Greek) or Virgil (Latin). They thus created new texts out of the classical epics, while they still remained fully within the confines of their style and vocabulary. It is the aim of this study to put these attempts into a historical and rhetorical context. Why did some Christians rewrite the Gospel stories in this way, and what came out of this? On the basis of these Christian centos, it is natural to address the view held by some scholars, namely that New Testaments narratives are imitations of the epics.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 4 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.