Rival Praises

The Metamorphoses, written by the Roman poet Ovid, has fascinated readers ever since it was written in the first century CE, and here Celia M. Campbell offers a bold new interpretive approach. Reasserting the significance of the ancient hymnic tradition, she argues that the first pentad of Ovid's Metamorphoses draws a programmatic strain of influence from hymns to the gods, in particular conversation--and competition--with the work of the Alexandrian poet Callimachus, a favored source of inspiration to Augustan writers. She suggests that Ovid read Callimachus' six hymns as a self-conscious set--and reading the first five books of the Metamorphoses through Callimachus' hymnic collection allows us to pierce the occasionally opaque and seemingly idiosyncratic mythology Ovid constructs. Through careful, innovative close readings, Campbell illustrates that Callimachus and the hymnic tradition provide a kind of interpretative key to unlocking the dynamic landscape of divine power in Ovid's poetic cosmos.

Many scholars today believe that early Greek literature, as represented by the great poems of Homer and Hesiod, was to some extent inspired by texts from the neighbouring civilizations of the ancient Near East, especially Mesopotamia. It is true that, in the case of religious poetry, early Greek poets sang about their gods in ways that resemble those of Sumerian or Akkadian hymns from Mesopotamia, but does this mean that the latter influenced the former, and if so, how? This volume is the first to attempt an answer to these questions by undertaking a detailed study of the ancient texts in their original languages, from Sumerian poetry in the 20th century BC to Greek sources from the times of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, and Aeschylus. The Gods Rich in Praise presents the core groups of sources from the ancient Near East, describing the main features of style and content of Sumerian and Akkadian religious poetry, and showing how certain compositions were translated and adapted beyond Mesopotamia. It proceeds by comparing selected elements of form and content: hymnic openings, negative predication, the birth of Aphrodite in the Theogony of Hesiod, and the origins and development of a phrase in Hittite prayers and the Iliad of Homer. The volume concludes that, in terms of form and style, early Greek religious poetry was probably not indebted to ancient Near Eastern models, but also argues that such influence may nevertheless be perceived in certain closely defined instances, particularly where supplementary evidence from other ancient sources is available, and where the extant sources permit a reconstruction of the process of translation and adaptation.

Anthony Hope's novel, "Half a Hero," is a study of political and social life in the English colony of New Lindsey, which may possibly be New Zealand. The half hero is one Medland, leader of the radicals, who by a coalition comes into power as premier. He had been a common laborer, had risen by integrity and energy, and although unpolished of manners shows qualities that make the true man. The humor of the situation arises from the necessity forced upon the snobbish family of the titled governor to receive him and his daughter on terms of social equality. Later on it appears that there has been something "irregular" about Medland's marriage, but when disgrace is threatened and he has the chance to silence his enemies by a skilful distribution of spoils he refuses to submit and dares political death and social obloquy rather than sacrifice his manliness. The end of the story is tragic.

Since the earliest beginnings of the Christian Church, believers have gathered to worship God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They have expressed their faith by singing "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in their hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16). One of the best ways to learn about and enter into what Christians believe is to sing the classic, well-known, deeply-loved hymns of our tradition. In Unwearied Praises, readers are invited to reflect upon the experience of classic hymns as a doorway into the historic beliefs and spiritual insights that have defined Christianity for centuries. Each chapter includes Scripture references and questions for reflection, making this an excellent resource for a small group study or personal enrichment. "The current rediscovery of hymnology for worship will be greatly enhanced by this theologically astute yet highly practical volume of classic hymns. I hope, for the sake of the church's spiritual health, Unwearied Praises, will receive a wide readership." -Robert E. Webber, Author of Ancient-Future Faith and Blended Worship Jeffrey P. Greenman (Ph.D., Virginia) occupies the R.J. Bernardo Family Chair of Leadership at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. George R. Sumner (Ph.D., Yale) is Principal and the Helliwell Professor of Missions at Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto.