Re-Reading Sappho: Reception and Transmission (Classics and Contemporary Thought)

Classics and Contemporary Thought

by Ellen Greene (Editor)

Re-Reading Sappho reflects the recent fascination with Sappho's "afterlife." The essays examine the changing interpretations of scholars and writers who have read the fragmentary remains of Sappho's poetry. As the contributors explore the ways that each generation creates its own Sappho, the Sapphic tradition itself becomes an index to changing sensibilities and cultural norms about sexuality, gender roles, and notions of fema le authorship.

A legendary literary figure, Sappho has attracted readers, critics, and biographers ever since she composed poems on the island of Lesbos at the close of the seventh century B.C. Bringing together some of the best recent criticism on the subject, this volume, together with Reading Sappho, represents the first anthology of Sappho scholarship, drawing attention to Sappho's importance as a poet and reflecting the diversity of critical approaches in classical and literary scholarship during the last several decades.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 1997

Reviews

[Don Kyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great sample of the academic work done on Sappho's work and her impact on culture. In fact, maybe too academic at times if that is even possible? Some of these articles truly put in perspective how little we actually know about Sappho. She may as well be a fictional character at times.

But this also gave me a lot of other sources to consider, especially the further works of Joan DeJean. Overall, a great asset in my research into Sappho life and works.

[chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
favourites were ‘sappho in early modern england’ by andreadis and ‘sappho schoolmistress’ by parker