In:
The Classical Quarterly, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 29, No. 1 ( 1979-05), p. 223-224
Abstract:
Mr. Reed has performed a distinct service by reminding us (CQ 26 (1976),309 ff.) of the odd statement by Guglielmo da Pastrengo that Tacitus was once the director of Titus' private library: if authentic, the information is too precious to be neglected. We cannot deny that Guglielmo may have had ancient sources now lost. When we know that a short epic, probably by Rabirius, one of the most admired poets of the Augustan age, disappeared after 1466, although it was protected by a false ascription to Virgil, it would be foolhardy to claim that any loss after 1350 was impossible. On the other hand, we all know that instant erudition was a speciality of many Medieval sciolists whom admirers of the Middle Ages now call ‘Humanists’’ and ‘scholars’’, e.g. Arnulf of Orleans, whose recondite learning enabled him to inform us that Lucan was called Annaeus because bees settled on the infant's lips, and that he was brought to Rome as a captive after Nero stormed Cordova.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0009-8388
,
1471-6844
DOI:
10.1017/S0009838800035424
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
1979
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2060299-6
SSG:
6,12
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