Asst. Prof. Brian David McPhee of the Program in Cultures, Civilizations and Ideas has recently published a new book, offering fresh insights into Apollonius’ “Argonautica” and its relationship with “The Homeric Hymns.” Titled “Apollonius’ Argonautica and the Homeric Hymns: A Study in Hymnody, Hero Cult, and Homeric Reception,” the work examines Apollonius’ role in the epic tradition and his engagement with Homeric models beyond the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey.”
Published as part of the “Mnemosyne Supplements” series, McPhee’s book argues that the “Argonautica” does not simply follow the conventions of the Homeric epics but also adopts generic and stylistic features from the “Homeric Hymns,” particularly at both its beginning and end. This unique framing, according to Dr. McPhee, offers new perspectives on how Apollonius reshaped the expectations of epic poetry.
The study delves into hymnic poetry, the ancient Greek practice of worshipping heroes as divinities and the reception of Homer by later authors. By exploring these themes, McPhee provides a comprehensive analysis of the Argonautica’s literary significance and its broader cultural impact.
The book, published by BRILL in 2025, is available in both digital and hardcover formats.
With its scholarly depth and fresh interpretations, McPhee’s work is expected to be an essential resource for classicists, literary scholars and students interested in ancient epic traditions.
