Derveni Papyrus - A Conversation with Richard Janko

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:I. A Great Discovery - Followed by unparalleled foot-draggingII. Derveni Details - Setting the sceneIII. An Ancient Culture War - Societal strains in the late 5th century AthensIV. Rose-coloured Glasses? - Democratic biasesV. Summing Up - Mathematical philology and Herculaneum speculationsAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.