Research Catalog

Title

The depiction of character in the Chronographia of Michael Psellos / Frederick Lauritzen.

Author

Lauritzen, F. (Frederick), 1977-

Publication

• Turnhout, Belgium : Brepols, [2013]
• ©2013

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

ix, 260 p.; 24 cm.

Summary

"Character is the single most important feature of the Chronographia written by Michael Psellos (1018-1081?). It is an historical account of the events at court from the time of Basil II (986-1025) to Michael VII Doukas (1071-1078) with the insight of someone whose career developed within the imperial court and his unsurpassed eye for details of personality was enlightened by his intellectual interests. During his lifetime, Psellos was considered the forefront of philosophical studies in the capital and therefore was named consul of philosophers (ὕπατος τῶν φιλοσόφων) in 1047 and he credited himself with reintroducing Plato on the cultural scene of Constantinople. It was his attractive manner of speech which led him to remain in the emperor’s presence and his rhetorical ability also plays an important role in the Chronographia, especially when he emphasizes or fabricates events to justify his understanding of a person’s mind. Many have employed Psellos’ Chronographia for its value in shedding light on historic events, itself important, though it often neglects the fact that Psellos’ historiography is not based on factual details to explain multiple causes for events, but seeks to attribute blame or merit to the personality of the ruling emperor"--

Series Statement

Byzantios : studies in Byzantine history and civilization ; 7

Uniform Title

Byzantios 7.

Alternative Title

• Chronographia of Michael Psellos
• Michael Psellos

Subject

• Psellus, Michael
• 1025-1081
• Byzantine Empire > Civilization > Historiography
• Byzantine Empire > History > Historiography. > 1025-1081

Genre/Form

History

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 227-255) and index.

Language (note)

• English with some phrases in Old Greek followed by parallel English translations.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Character in the Chronographia -- The unity of character in Psellos' Chronographia -- Platonic personality -- Rhetorical creation -- Historical manipulation -- The use of classical literature to build character -- Conclusion : Unparalleled lives.

ISBN

• 9782503548418
• 2503548415

OCLC

• 829755188
• SCSB-12279649

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library