Satirical, or 'skoptic', epigram emerged as a distinctive new sub-genre of Greek literature in the Roman empire (the mid-first century CE) and flourished for at least a century. It was imitated by Martial, but it is now rarely read. In this book, the first substantial treatment of the subject, Gideon Nisbet rehabilitates skoptic epigram, introduces its authors, gives an account of its development, and situates it within its cultural context. He also suggests striking new ways of reading ancient epigram and examines satire's engagement with gender, identity, and power.
When we say 'epigram', we mean 'Martial'. After Martial, a Roman poet of the first century AD, epigram would always mean satirical epigram: a short, funny poem with a sting in its tail. But Martial was an imitator. He copied and adapted the real innovators. This book aims to uncover a forgotten world of wicked puns and violent slapstick.
