Publisher's Synopsis
Peter Riedlberger's award-winning thesis offers an exhaustive commentary on the 8th and last book of the Iohannis. This poem intrigues its readers on more than one account: Using the well-established form of Latin epic, it offers a fascinating window into the world of reconquered Roman Africa ca. 550 A.D. On one level, the commentary tries to elucidate the numerous allusions to contemporary events, persons and realia; on another level, it firmly sets the poem in the Latin epic tradition, distinguishing clearly between poetical conventions and descriptions of real-life facts. This book further comprises a critical edition of the 8th book, the first ever German translation, and a comprehensive introduction, which establishes the true name of the author (Gorippus, not Corippus) and challenges the current notion of the function and role of late antique panegyrics. Strong points include the book's high readability, its many illustrations (which include useful maps and several reproductions).
