Authority and Tradition in Ancient Historiography

Description

This book is a study of the various claims to authority made by the ancient Greek and Roman historians throughout their histories and is the first to examine all aspects of the historian's self-presentation. It shows how each historian claimed veracity by imitating, modifying, and manipulating the traditions established by his predecessors. Beginning with a discussion of the tension between individuality and imitation, it then categorises and analyses the recurring style used to establish the historian's authority: how he came to write history; the qualifications he brought to the task; the inquiries and efforts he made in his research; and his claims to possess a reliable character. By detailing how each historian used the tradition to claim and maintain his own authority, the book contributes to a better understanding of the complex nature of ancient historiography.

'... the right man for the right job, in the right place at the right time ... John Marincola offers a sober presentation of the historians' remarks about themselves and their conceptions of their role: a thought-provoking phalanx of upbeat position-statements, and awesome lines in self-marketing.' J. G. W. Henderson, Times Literary Supplement '... quite outstanding ... Marincola exercises a complete and a masterly control over the great mass of material he presents. This book is a 'must'.' Greece and Rome