The Derveni Papyrus is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Richard Janko, Gerald F. Else Distinguished University Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Michigan. This wide-ranging conversation covers Richard Janko’s research on the Derveni Papyrus, Europe’s oldest surviving manuscript from the 4th century BCE and the most important text relating to early Greek literature, science, religion and philosophy to have come to light since the Renaissance.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Discovering the Past, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
- A Great Discovery – Followed by unparalleled foot-dragging
- Derveni Details – Setting the scene
- An Ancient Culture War – Societal strains in late 5th-century Athens
- Rose-coloured Glasses? – Democratic biases
- Summing Up – Mathematical philology and Herculaneum speculations
Available in electronic format on all major booksellers, including:
The Derveni Papyrus is also part of the five-part Ideas Roadshow Collection, Conversations About History, Volume 2, which is available in hardcover, paperback and electronic format.
A 1-hour version of this conversation is available on VOD, HERE. Richard Janko is also featured in 3 documentary-style videos together with other celebrated historians. Available on Ideas Roadshow digital resource platforms, Kanopy and Boclips.
