The dedication of a literary work is the naming of a person from the author's surroundings with the intent of expressing an honour or gratitude to this person by association with the publication. (Occasionally the recipient was promised immortality [1. 25 f.]). Works which discuss the named person as a subject do not fall under this definition (e.g., enkṓmion). It is apparent in works such as the ‘Epinician Odes’ of Pindar that the author is aware of his role as a mediator of fame. A special case…
Cite this page
Görgemanns, Herwig (Heidelberg) and
Schmitzer, Ulrich (Berlin),
“Dedication”, in:
Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry.
Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e12210870>