The Divine Spark of Syracuse: (The Mandel Lectures in the Humanities)
Zoomicon-zoom-in
The Divine Spark of Syracuse: (The Mandel Lectures in the Humanities)

The Divine Spark of Syracuse: (The Mandel Lectures in the Humanities)

By
Ingrid D. Rowland (Author)  

Paperback

Available / dispatched within 1 - 4 weeks

Quantity

Also available on eBook for £10.99. Click here to purchase from Rakuten Kobo

Focusing on the figures of Plato, Archimedes, and Caravaggio, The Divine Spark of Syracuse discloses the role that Syracuse, a Greek cultural outpost in Sicily, played in fueling creative energies. Among the topics this book explores are Plato and the allegory of the cave, and the divine spark mentioned in his Seventh Letter. It also considers the machines of Archimedes, including his famous screw, and the variety of siege and antisiege weapons that he developed in the defense of his hometown during the sieges of the First and Second Punic Wars, including "the hand" (a giant claw), the "burning mirror," and the catapult. The final chapter offers a look at the sixteenth-century artist and roustabout Caravaggio. On the run after yet another street brawl, Caravaggio traveled to Syracuse, where he painted The Burial of St. Lucy (Santa Lucia) in 1608. Typical of his late works, the painting is notable for its subdued tones and emotional and psychological delicacy, even fragility. This captivating book lends clear insight into the links between the sense of place and inspiration in philosophy, mathematics, and art. Rowland is the most learned tour guide we could ask for. 25 colour illus.
INGRID D. ROWLAND is a professor at the Rome Global Gateway of the University of Notre Dame, based in the Department of History and the School of Architecture.
  • Contributor: Ingrid D. Rowland
  • Imprint: Dartmouth College Press
  • ISBN13: 9781512603057
  • Number of Pages: 152
  • Packaged Dimensions: 140x216mm
  • Packaged Weight: 234
  • Format: Paperback
  • Publisher: Dartmouth College Press
  • Release Date: 2019-01-15
  • Series: The Mandel Lectures in the Humanities
  • Binding: Paperback / softback
  • Biography: INGRID D. ROWLAND is a professor at the Rome Global Gateway of the University of Notre Dame, based in the Department of History and the School of Architecture.

Delivery Options

Home Delivery

Store Delivery

Free Returns

We hope you are delighted with everything you buy from us. However, if you are not, we will refund or replace your order up to 30 days after purchase. Terms and exclusions apply; find out more from our Returns and Refunds Policy.