The Culture of Classicism: Ancient Greece and Rome in American Intellectual Life, 1780-1910 (review)

Abstract

four parts: the title with its heading, the bibliographical description, the note, and the bibliographical references. The note information is varied and may contain the item’s printing history, mention of its relative scarcity, information about the author, or a description of its illustrations or other special features. The bibliographical references identify the library that has a copy of the book (often a national library, although not always) and a cross-reference, if relevant, to the corresponding entries in the Blackmer, Atebey, or Gennadius catalogs. In addition to the interesting notes and references, the volume under review provides several other invaluable features. Most notable among these is the introduction by Navari, published in English, describing her methodology for organizing the catalog. The outlined methodology reveals Navari’s respect for accuracy, specifically with reference to her explanation of collation. Another significant feature in this catalog is the historical and informative essay written by Ioli Vingopoulou, which explores the nature of travel writing and its relationship to the Greek world. Especially welcome in a catalog of this nature is the reproduction of over two hundred rare illustrations, many in color, that originate from the cataloged items. The usefulness of this catalog is enhanced by an extended bibliography, a guide to abbreviations, and the multiple indices: index of names; index of printers, publishers, booksellers, and bookbinders; and index of provenances. While the catalog’s most practical function might be restricted to specialists and scholars of Greek civilization, its contents unquestionably would prove most interesting for bibliophiles and rare book enthusiasts. Greek Civilization Through the Eyes of Travellers and Scholars makes an excellent companion catalog to the author’s catalogs of the Blackmer and Atabey collections as well as Weber’s catalog of the Gennadius Library. Dimitris Contominas and Leonora Navari are to be commended for their collaboration in offering this beautifully rich catalog.