Wisdom, Authority and Grammar in the Seventh Century: Decoding Virgilius Maro Grammaticus

by Vivien Law

Overview

This new interpretation of the baffling Latin grammars of the seventh-century writer Virgilius Maro Grammaticus sets aside conventional readings that see them as flawed or parodic. Vivien Law's analysis moves through the broader context of patristic biblical exegesis and early medieval wisdom literature to the ill-documented reaches of heterodox initiatory practices. She situates Virgilius in his intellectual context, and opens important new perspectives for our understanding of medieval literary culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521471138
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/16/1995
Pages:	182
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.60(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The outer layers: parody and word-play; 2. The wisdom tradition; 3. Avarice and the four keys to wisdom; 4. The multifarious nature of wisdom; 5. Heretical knowledge? The constitution of man; 6. The Epistolae: Virgilius' Retractatio?; 7. Concealment of mysteries: the techniques of secrecy; 8. Virgilius and the seventh century; 9. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Works cited; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Law opens this tantalizing study with some keen readings of this abstrusely self-deprecating author...Law's work is sure to attract controversial attention. More so perhaps, it will inspire renewed efforts to play out the puzzles in this fantastical wit. Highly recommended for those who are serious esotericists." Critical Notice

"A highly erudite examination of the cultural significance of grammatica....Readers will find the work stimulating, challenging, and informative on virtually every page." —Religious Studies Review

"A highly erudite examination of the cultural significance of grammatica, the fundamental discipline concerned with literacy, language, interpretation, and literature in antiquity and the medieval world." Religious Studies Review

"There are important ideas in this book. Law's method rests on a sound philological basis but is also innovative.... This is a book for those who seek to understand the intellectual climate of the seventh century...." Denis Brearley, Speculum

From the Publisher