This is a study based upon words, specifically polypragmon, periergos and curiosus. L. does not disappoint, explicitly developing his analysis working from these terms to discover what they reveal (pp. 3–4), which is far more than mere definition. It was, however, the subtitle that attracted my attention. It again hints at far more, although the breadth and depth of what is covered is not really portrayed. I am not sure that any sub-title could accurately convey the extensive analysis. While L. maintains his focus throughout on the selected terms he also introduces an extraordinary range of evidence and insights. As a social historian I found the ways in which the terms evolved, how they were used and what that suggested in terms of societal beliefs and norms nothing less than fascinating. Some associations do not surprise, such as the political associations, the sycophant and the interventionist state. Others though are unexpected; the introduction of imperial spies and spying (pp. 68–9) is a case in point.
As L. notes, ‘this is not the first work of scholarship to engage with polypragmosyne and its synonyms in Greek literature or of curiositas in Latin’ (p. 195). (Key works cited include: V. Ehrenberg, ‘Polypragmosyne: a Study in Greek Politics’, JHS 67 [1947], 46–67; A. Labhardt, ‘Curiosatas: Notes sur l'histoire d'un motet d'une notion’, MH 17 [1960], 206–24. L. also includes a good bibliography.) This study, however, goes beyond particular time periods and authors to engage with the selected words and what they reveal in a broad and complete way. L. begins by setting strict parameters; a structure is put in place to guide the reader through a complex array of ideas and an extensive range of sources and examples, but L. is also clear that his treatment is not exhaustive (pp. 10, 16). One is left wondering what insights the other references may have produced, but the limits chosen do not detract. In fact, this is a clear case where more would not add to what is a fine, accessible study.
The analysis consists of five chapters. The first two lay the foundation upon which the later three rest. Chapter 1 surveys how polypragmon and its synonyms are used in Greek literature of the fifth and fourth centuries b.c. The range of literature suggested by the Chapter heading (‘Polypragmosyne and Periergia from Thucydides to Theophrastus’) should be taken as the focus not a statement of limits. There are, for example, references to Herodotus and Pittacus of Mytilene within the first few pages. The chapter analyses an array of material, working systematically through key passages in Plato, and then the orators, select historians, tragedians and comic writers. Patterns of thought and motifs that are developed in subsequent chapters are identified, and I was left with a fascinating insight into the citizens and society of fifth century Athens. The positive and negative connotations demonstrated by the dutiful or meddling citizen, and the expanding Empire or interfering state demonstrate the complexity and richness of interpretation. Further, the importance of context, that is place and time (p. 53), introduces evolution of definition (which is apparent as the study progresses) and so a way to approach the complexities within a society, its development and even interaction with other peoples. In many respects this goes beyond the study, but the analysis of motifs identified is all part of this larger discussion.
Chapter 2 continues the analysis of Chapter 1 into the fourth and third centuries b.c. Greek new comedy is introduced, and L. discusses the terms Roman writers utilised in trying to express the concepts and motifs inherent in the Greek use of polypragmon and its synonyms; the result is an extensive analysis of curiosus.
Chapters 3 to 5 are thematic, building on the motifs and thought processes identified in the earlier sections. Chapter 5 investigates a curious writer and what is useful or useless, positive or negative in terms of subject or complexity of style. Here it is the type of literature and by implication the intended audience that comes to the fore. L.'s concluding comments on the structure and content of Polybius' Histories are insightful: ‘There is room for polypragmosyne in such a work, but only for that polypragmosyne that can discipline itself and resist haring off after every stray detail to catch its attention. Anyone unable to accept such a regime is apt to be dismissed as polypragmon kai perittos. To the paradoxographer, however, there could be no greater compliment’ (pp. 193–4). Chapter 4 investigates the proper boundaries between mortals and the divine, how curious can one be? The lexical approach clearly identified this as a theme that needed consideration, and L. does well working on the definitions and understanding of the key terms. However, the analysis introduces some vast subjects while limiting itself to key terms and so select texts. There is an uneasy fit here, as L. himself notes (p. 158), although it is not enough to detract from the study. Rather, one is left with the tantalising sense that there is more that could be done.
Chapter 3 is L. at his best. He analyses the ability of polypragmosyne to be interpreted as one state's intervention into the affairs or another, and at the same time the more commendable investigations that imperial expansion allows. The complex layers of meaning are brought to the fore and handled very well, as by the use of Polybius to express directly the relationship between the different usages of polypragmosyne and the complexity therein (e.g. p. 104). The range of senses then attributed to polypragmosyne is summed up well in L.'s concluding comments on Arrian and initial comments concerning Diodorus Siculus' work (p. 106). This builds nicely to a discussion of the link between empire, military expeditions and scholarship (pp. 112–13). The evolution of meaning and use of polypragmosyne is always central and clear.
This is a detailed study. The breadth of sources consulted is impressive, but it is the complexities in the themes and ideas developed where L. shines. Much rests on the structure and the parameters put in place, and without doubt they are successful. That noted, there are two comments that I need to make, although neither is meant to detract. The first stems from the structure and thematic progression. By necessity there are cross-references to other sections of the work. Many are needed and they do signal how the argument will develop, but the frequency, especially in the first half of the study, is perhaps too high.Footnote 1 Second, L. hopes that his study will be accessible to students and in translation (pp. 11–12). As the main passages are translated and the results are presented in a straightforward manner L. can claim some measure of success. Nevertheless, knowing both Latin and Greek would certainly help comprehension. This is particularly the case when following up on points made, as many passages and phrases remain untranslated in the footnotes and there is important French and German secondary scholarship. As a result this is not a book for the general reader, but it is also not limited to a select group of specialist scholars. As a social historian I found much to value and appreciate. Several issues intrigued me (dare I say ‘made me curious’?) and sent me scrambling for references and further reading. My knowledge and insight were enhanced by this study, and that surely is the greatest measure of its success.
