The Book of Marvels, a compilation of marvellous events of a grotesque, bizarre or sensational nature, was composed in the second century A.D.
The "Book of Marvels", a compilation of marvellous events of a grotesque, bizarre or sensational nature, was composed in the second century A.D. by Phlegon of Tralles, a Greek freedman of the Roman emperor Hadrian. The "Book" is arranged thematically: ghosts, sex-changers and hermaphrodites, finds of giant bones, monstrous births, births from males, amazing multiple births, abnormally rapid development of human beings, and discoveries of live centaurs. This volume also contains an introduction and commentary on the texts, as well as translations of fragments of two other works of translation of Goethe's vampire poem, "The Bride of Corinth", which was inspired by Phlegon's "Book of Marvels".
“"Within the relics of paradoxography, the fragments of Phlegon of Tralleis, a freedman of the emperor Hadrian, are untypical and, for that very reason, of uncommon interest. William Hansen has done a valuable service in placing them within easy reach of the Greekless reader or student toiling in either of the neighbouring fields...anyone who needs to know about Phlegon has no hesitation in acquiring this handsomely produced and reasonably priced book...It is exactly the kind of resource needed to introduce students to the intriguing margins of ancient historiography." Histos,1998”
Not only does this book contain a good translation of Phlegon's Book of Marvels, but Hansen has also added translations of fragments of two other works by Phlegon, Olympiads (recounting the foundation of the Olympic Games), and Long-Lived Persons (which uses Roman census documents). As such we get a truly representative feel for the literary output of this Greek freedman which certainly seems to have had an eager market ... Hanson's commentary is superb. Each section is sanely analysed, with references to the Greek vocabulary chosen, parallel versions and their differences, and helpful modern bibliography. The commentary makes interesting reading and reminds one of how immensely popular such collections were in the early empire. Characteristic of Hansen's work is not only that he places Phlegon's efforts in the context of the literature of the Roman empire, but also that he compares the reports by this author with similar miraculous reports from later, even modern times... Hansen has put us in his debt by making this neglected material accessible in such a convenient way. Within the relics of paradoxography, the fragments of Phlegon of Tralleis, a freedman of the emperor Hadrian, are untypical and, for that very reason, of uncommon interest. William Hansen has done a valuable service in placing them within easy reach of the Greekless reader or student toiling in either of the neighbouring fields...anyone who needs to know about Phlegon has no hesitation in acquiring this handsomely produced and reasonably priced book...It is exactly the kind of resource needed to introduce students to the intriguing margins of ancient historiography. Hansen's edition of the Phlegon fragments offers a good introduction to this author specifically but more generally allows us an insight into the under-valued and under-studied genre of paradoxography in antiquity. Some books have a headstart in being welcome simply for their existence and Hansen's text and accompaniments belong in that category. At a time when the study of marginality is popular, this book gives insight into ancient forerunners of the literary freak-show ... The delight in the violation of the natural order in 'he Book of Marvels'is kept within decent bounds by the sense that, although inexplicable, the monstrous can be deciphered, often to the benefit of the community.
William Hansen is Professor of Classical Studies and Folklore at Indiana University, Bloomington, USA. He is an expert on Greek and Roman folklore and the leading Phlegon specialist in the English-speaking world.
This item is eligible for simple returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. See our returns policy for further details.
