num_pages: 135
description: The classical world and the masterpieces of its literature continue to fascinate readers and audiences throughout the media- from popular histories to the reworking of classical subject matters by contemporary poets dramatists and novelists. In this Very Short Introduction William Allan explores what the classics are and why they continue to shape our Western concepts of literature. Presenting a range of material from both Greek and Latin literature he illustrates the variety and sophistication of these works and considers examples from all major genres. About the Series: Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology Politics to Classics Literary Theory to History and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually the series will encompass every major academic discipline offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
language: English
title: Classical Literature: A Very Short Introduction
publisher: Oxford University Press