The Oxford companion to classical literature

About “The Oxford companion to classical literature”

This book is an updated version of The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature, first published in 1937 by Paul Harvey. It covers classical literature from around 2200 B.C. to A.D. 529, including articles on authors, major works, historical figures, mythological characters, and significant literary topics. It provides short summaries of major works, chronologies, charts, and maps. The book includes translations of Greek and Latin quotations and focuses on the lives and works of key authors. Entries on major works discuss philosophical dialogues, political speeches, and plot summaries of epics and plays. Literary forms such as epic, comedy, and tragedy are explored, along with articles on the origins of Greek and Latin languages. The Companion also places literature in its historical and societal context, covering political, social, and artistic achievements. It includes articles on orators, statesmen, battles, social customs, and religious beliefs. Maps, a chronological table, and cross-references enhance the volume. This reference work is both accessible to non-specialists and useful for in-depth study of classical literature.