The Derveni Papyrus: A Conversation with Richard Janko

Description

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Richard Janko, Gerald F. Else Distinguished University Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Michigan. This wide-ranging conversation covers Prof. Janko's research on the Derveni Papyrus, Europe's oldest surviving manuscript from the 4th century BCE and the most important text relating to early Greek literature, science, religion and philosophy to have come to light since the Renaissance. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Discovering the Past, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: A Great Discovery - Followed by unparalleled foot-dragging Derveni Details - Setting the scene An Ancient Culture War - Societal strains in the late 5th century Athens Rose-coloured Glasses? - Democratic biases Summing Up - Mathematical philology and Herculaneum speculations About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books): Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.