Geography, Topography, Landscape: Configurations of Space in Greek and Roman Epic

By introducing a multifaceted approach to epic geography, the editors of the volume wish to provide a critical assessment of spatial perception, of its repercussions on shaping narrative as well as of its discursive traits and cultural contexts. Taking the genre-specific boundaries of Greco-Roman epic poetry as a case in point, a team of international scholars examines issues that lie at the heart of modern criticism on human geography. Modern and ancient discourse on space representations revolves around the nation-shaping force of geography, the gendered dynamics of landscapes, the topography of isolation and integration, the politics of imperialism, globalization, environmentalism as well as the power of language and narrative to turn space into place. One of the major aims of the volume is to show that the world of the Classics is not just the origin, but the essence of current debates on spatial constructions and reconstructions.
This collection of essays explores how epic narratives negotiate, define, and transform genre-specific geographical configurations. A team of international scholars engages in an interdisciplinary discussion about how Greek and Roman epic poetry interacts with the historical and cultural dynamics of geography. The book brings together the world of Classical literature with current trends in examining the politics of spatial constructions.