Call for papers: “Fantastic antiquities and where to find them.
Ancient worlds in (post-)modern novels”
Thersites is pleased to announce a call for papers for a special volume on “Fantastic antiquities and where to find them. Ancient worlds in (post-)modern novels” (Summer 2024) edited by Christine Walde, Concetta Finiello, Matthias Heinemann and Adrian Weiß.
In recent years, in all languages there has been a significant increase in the number of novels set in antiquity, ranging from retellings of ancient myths and legends and historical fiction to speculative fantasy.
These novels have captured the imagination of readers and scholars alike, offering new and challenging insights into the social hierarchies, gender roles, and cultural practices of ancient societies (especially Greece, Rome and the Roman provinces, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Near East).
We welcome original research articles, essays, interviews, book reviews on any topic related to modern/contemporary novels (period: 1900-2023) engaging with antiquity. Personal reflections by authors of novels are also welcome.
Possible topics for submission include, but are not limited to:
- Survey articles on the multiple use of specific ancient texts or
figures in modern novels (e.g., Troy in general, Odyssey, Penelope, Nero, Caesar, Ovid, Julian Apostata etc.).
- The representation of gender and sexuality in contemporary
literature set in antiquity.
- Race and social hierarchies in these novels.
- The use of intertextuality and narrative techniques in retelling
ancient stories.
- The motivations of contemporary authors in setting their
novels in antiquity.
- The educational backgrounds of authors and their influences on the depiction of ancient societies.
- The relationship between contemporary literature and academic research on antiquity. This includes novels starring professionals of our disciplines (teachers, graduates, professors).
- The ways in which the marketing of these novels reflects changing cultural attitudes toward the past.
- The role of these novels in shaping contemporary political discourse.
- The use of these novels in teaching the antiquities.
Papers (in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Latin) should be original and unpublished elsewhere. The ideal length of the final paper is 10,000 words (plus bibliography). Please follow the guidelines for authors on our website (https://thersites-journal.de/index.php/thr).
Papers that have been accepted will undergo a peer reviewing process according to the guidelines of thersites.
The absolute (!) deadline for submissions is March, 1, 2024.
Please send an abstract of max. 250 words (short bibliography included) and a brief author bio as soon as possible but not later than April 30, 2023 to Christine Walde, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, waldec@uni-mainz.de
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by mid-April 2023 at the latest.
Please feel free to reach out to the co-editors with any questions or concerns.
Looking forward to your submissions and our joined exploration into the fabulous and vivid reception of Antiquity.
Christine Walde: waldec@uni-mainz.de
Concetta Finiello: concetta.finiello@sbl.ch
Matthias Heinemann: heinemam@uni-mainz.de
Adrian Weiß: adrian.weiss@uni-bonn.de