Texts and Their Transformations: Continuity and Change in the Classical Tradition

by M.D. Usher

43 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1994

About the author

I am a UVM alumnus (B.A. in Greek and Latin) and joined the UVM faculty in 2000. Before attending UVM as an undergraduate I apprenticed in Germany as a post-and-beam carpenter. Upon graduation from UVM, I earned my PhD in Classics at The University of Chicago.

I teach courses in Greek and Latin language and in classical civilization. I have also taught in the Integrated Humanities Program, the Teacher-Advisor Program (TAP), and the Honors College. My academic interests include orality studies, Near Eastern influences on classical literature, especially on Greek literature of the archaic period (Homer, Hesiod and the lyric poets), and ancient philosophy (the writings of Plato and Seneca in particular). I am also deeply interested in the reception of classical texts in modern works of art, music, and literature. In addition to publishing books and articles in the field of Classics, I have written an opera libretto (in Latin), original poetry, translations, and children's books. Non-academic interests include carpentry (I built my own house and outbuildings) and farming (my wife Caroline and I own and operate Works & Days Farm in Shoreham and sell market lambs, eggs, and chicken).