The Varieties of Enchantment: Early Greek Views of the Nature and Function of Poetry

Walsh argues that the history of Greek poetics from Homer to Aristophanes was controlled by a preoccupation with enchantment -- the audience's emotional response to the performance of song. Homer made enchantment the pivotal topic of his account of his art; Hesiod and Pindar developed elaborate psychologies of forgetfulness and memory; Euripides and Aristophanes looked back at such theories in a mood that was both critical and nostalgic.Originally published in 1984.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.