Detailed new account of the historical emergence and conceptual reach of the sublime both before and after Longinus.

Contrary to what Kant believed about the Dutch (and their visual culture) as “being of an orderly and diligent position” and thus having no feeling for the sublime, this book argues that the sublime played an important role in seventeenth-century Dutch visual culture. By looking at different visualizations of exceptional heights, divine presence, political grandeur, extreme violence, and extraordinary artifacts, the authors demonstrate how viewers were confronted with the sublime, which evoked in them a combination of contrasting feelings of awe and fear, attraction and repulsion. In studying seventeenth-century Dutch visual culture through the lens of notions of the sublime, we can move beyond the traditional and still widespread views on Dutch art as the ultimate representation of everyday life and the expression of a prosperous society in terms of calmness, neatness, and order. The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, visual culture, architectural history, and cultural history.

Max Duncker's monumental work, 'The History of Antiquity,' spans six volumes and delves into the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, providing a comprehensive account of their rise and fall. Written in a scholarly yet accessible style, Duncker's narrative is enriched with vivid descriptions of key historical events and figures, making it an essential read for students and enthusiasts of ancient history. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail bring to life the political intrigues, cultural achievements, and military conquests that shaped the ancient world, offering readers a deep understanding of this period in history. Drawing from a wide range of primary sources, Duncker's work serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of antiquity. Max Duncker's 'The History of Antiquity' is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and engaging account of ancient civilizations, making it a must-read for history buffs and scholars alike.

The essays collected in this volume examine manifestations of our sublime cosmos in ancient literature and its reception. Individual themes include religious mystery; calendrical and cyclical thinking as ordering principles of human experience; divine birth and the manifold nature of divinity (both awesome and terrifying); contemplation of the sky and meteorological (ir)regularity; fears associated with overpowering natural and anthropogenic events; and the aspirations and limitations of human expression. In texts ranging from Homer to Keats, the volume's chapters apply diverse critical methods and approaches that engage with sublimity in various aesthetic, agential and metaphysical aspects. The ancient texts – epic, dramatic, historiographic and lyric – treated here are rooted in a remote world where, within a framework of (perceived) celestial order, literature, myth and science still communicated profoundly, a tradition that continued in literary receptions of these ancient works. This volume honours the intellectual legacy of Thomas D. Worthen, a scholar whose expertise and insights cut across multiple disciplines, and who influenced and inspired students and colleagues at the University of Arizona, USA, for over three decades. Beyond clarifying temporally and culturally distant contemplations of the human universe, these essays aim to inform the continuing sense of wonder and horror at the sublime heights and depths of our ever-changing cosmos.

In 'The History of the Ancient Civilizations' by Max Duncker, readers are presented with a comprehensive exploration of various ancient civilizations from a scholarly perspective. Duncker's detailed analysis of the rise and fall of these civilizations, including their religious beliefs, social structures, and political systems, offers readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of ancient societies. Written in a clear and engaging style, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in history and anthropology, providing a thorough overview of key events and developments in ancient civilizations. Duncker's approach to storytelling is both informative and captivating, making this book a must-read for enthusiasts of ancient history. Max Duncker's background as a renowned historian and scholar gives him the expertise needed to craft this insightful and well-researched book. His passion for unraveling the mysteries of the past is evident throughout the pages, as he delves into the intricacies of ancient civilizations with precision and expertise. With its meticulous research and engaging narrative, 'The History of the Ancient Civilizations' is a compelling read that will broaden readers' knowledge and appreciation of the ancient world, making it a valuable addition to any history lover's bookshelf.