Authors and their public in ancient times - From the earliest times to the fall of the Roman Empire

George Haven Putnam

Summary

In "Authors and Their Public in Ancient Times," George Haven Putnam delves into the intricate dynamics between writers and their audiences throughout antiquity. This scholarly work blends historical analysis with literary critique, illuminating the nuanced relationships that characterized the production and reception of literary works in ancient societies. Putnam employs a clear and engaging prose style, incorporating a wealth of primary sources to contextualize the authors' lives and the societal frameworks that shaped their narratives. His exploration ranges from the oratory of ancient Greece to the epistolary traditions of Rome, providing a comprehensive overview of how authors navigated their public personas and the implications of patronage, censorship, and acclaim in their careers. George Haven Putnam, a noted American publisher and literary historian of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was driven by a profound fascination with the historical context of literary works. His background in publishing equipped him with unique insights into the publishing industry and the author's professional journey, making his perspectives all the more valuable. Putnam's academic voyage was steeped in the classics, which undoubtedly informed his understanding of the ancient literary landscape and the broad appeal of its authors. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in literary history, classical studies, or the evolution of authorial identity. Putnam's meticulous research and compelling narrative reveal the timeless complexities of the author-public relationship, making it a pivotal resource for scholars, students, and literary enthusiasts alike.

Available since: 03/02/2025.

Print length: 210 pages.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Other books that might interest you

Sublimate

J. M. Tolcher

The famous author Honoré de Balzac used to say after sex “there goes another novel!” 
Taking it literally, J. M. Tolcher sets out to write an entire book without ejaculating—an experiment in sublimation, desire, and control.  
In just over a month, he attempts to channel his libido into art, diving into the ancient alchemical process—nigredo, albedo, citrinitas, rubedo—in a relentless search for meaning. 
But what begins as a test of discipline becomes something far more dangerous. Libido, after all, isn’t just about sex. It’s the unseen force shaping power structures, fueling authoritarianism, and dictating the fate of the world itself. 
Where does repressed desire go? What happens when it’s not sublimated? And can a man truly master his own urges—or does libido always find a way? 
Tolcher returns to form as Australia’s hottest underground writer with another chronicle as cerebral as it is carnal, as philosophical as it is depraved.

Show book

Conversation Skills: 7 Easy...

Lawrence Finnegan

Do you want to be more engaging when you talk? Are you tired of people not paying attention, misunderstanding, or even wandering away from you? Have you told yourself you just don't have "the gift of gab?"
Do not talk yourself out of success; stop feeling dull, shy, or boring, and take action to develop those skills which seem so out of reach. Speak up and be noticed. Never before have so many conversational skills been analyzed, broken down into easy-to-understand lessons, and gathered in one place. Extroverts and introverts can both learn a thing or two within this guide.
Excellent conversation skills used to be the exclusive domain of those charismatic, radiant people who just seem to have a knack for inspiring or influencing entire groups. These 7 EASY STEPS are your ticket to deep, meaningful conversations, easy-breezy chats, and everything in between.
YOU’LL LEARN:How to attract people and keep their interestRemaining receptive and reflective, even mid-conversationThe enormous power of small talkAdjusting your words to match your audience without changing your messageMaster the art of difficult conversationsTools and tricks for you to practice aloneMake sure you have something worth talking aboutAnd so much more!
By exploring those topics in their entirety, a complete curriculum of interpersonal communication is created. We assume nothing, and every skill is explored with both too much and too little of the ability applied. As interactive as it is thorough, every chapter is jammed full of easy-to-understand and quick to apply advice. What you will find is a conversational playground you will come back to again and again, full of timeless insights and proven exercises. No matter your objectives, you can use the 7 EASY STEPS to grow, explore or just contemplate.
Let’s get started!

Show book

Second Alcibiades -...

Plato, Tim Zengerink

What if praying for the wrong thing led you further from the good? 
In Second Alcibiades, Plato invites readers to a bold examination of prayer, intention, and the blindness of ambition. Socrates challenges the fiery young Alcibiades to reflect on whether he even understands what he should pray for before entering the political arena. 
What you'll discover inside: 
•	The Fragility of Political Ambition – A revealing dialogue between Socrates and Alcibiades on the ignorance behind power-seeking. 
•	A Sharp Critique of Prayer – Philosophical guidance on why piety demands more than sincerity. 
•	A Modern, Accessible Translation – Clear, faithful, and resonant for today’s listener. 
•	Essential Themes of Plato’s Philosophy – Explore the timeless tension between desire, knowledge, and divine will. 
More than a conversation—Second Alcibiades is a philosophical awakening.

Show book

History - France and Germany in...

Kelly Mass

This is a combo of several books, related to the history of France and Germany. 
1: Lourdes 
2: The Gauls 
3: The Huguenots 
4: Otto von Bismarck 
5: The Unification of Germany 
6: The Weimar Republic 
Get your hands on this extremely fascinating combo right now!

Show book

All The King's Horses

Brian Dry

This is not a fairy tale, not a love story, but bound into the truths of everyday deeds, in a world that doesn't exist today. 
Once upon a time, near a century younger, lives so fresh, every experience cherished by a thought and a nation on the brink. 
From the honesty of memory, we live for the moment, because our next might be our last, in a war to end all wars. 
Hear from the lips of those that lived... those that felt... those that dreamed, and those that didn't make it. 
This is their story, told from a small city called Perth. 
(included... Eye witness accounts: picking up of German Raider "Kormoran" survivors, after she had sunk HMAS Sydney... 
Thousands of American sailors hitting the streets of Perth, Western Australia, after their base in Surabaya, Java, was over run by the Japanese in WW2. 
Joyce, one of four teenage girls, about to meet another nations servicemen for the first time.)

Show book

On the Tip of My Tongue - The...

Tom Read Wilson

In On the Tip of My Tongue, logophile and television star Tom Read Wilson takes a delicious dive into the etymology and usage of words, euphemisms and bon mots. Written with his trademark sparkling wit, the star of Celebs Go Dating and self-avowed word-lover presents a hilarious and fascinating guide which aims to leave you never lost for words again. Divided into sections spanning dating, personal development, show business, compliments, curses, and how to dodge offence while speaking your mind, this book will equip you with the words needed to navigate all the situations of modern life with style and grace. From treppenwitz (the German word for the feeling of a missed riposte in an argument) to Callipygian (a 17th Century word referring to someone with well shaped buttocks) to JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out), this guide covers a wide and varied range of words, from those with roots in antiquity to new ones being coined in the present day. With Tom’s wit and lifelong love of words by your side, you'll always be able to pick the perfect word, phrase or quip, whether you are trying to understand the many metaphors for sex or trying to tell your mother you love her. This is a delightful and hilarious etymological solution to the dilemmas and conundrums of modern life and a must-read for every budding vocabularian.

Show book