Author
Jane Ellen Harrison
1850-1928
Jane Ellen Harrison (1850-1928) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Jane Ellen Harrison
Ancient Art and Ritual
"Ancient Art and Ritual" by Jane Ellen Harrison is a scholarly examination of the relationship between art and ritual, likely written in the early 20th century. This work investigates how these two seemingly disparate concepts are interconnected and how their roots can provide insights into modern civilization. The book particularly focuses on forms like Greek drama as examples of this relationship, seeking to illuminate the broader implications for understanding art in relation to spirituality and societal practices. The opening of the text sets the stage for this exploration by asserting that art and ritual, while having diverged in contemporary understanding, share a common origin that can be traced back to early human impulses. Harrison introduces her examination with an analysis of Greek theatre during the festival of Dionysos, highlighting the sacred nature of attendance and the theatrical performances as acts of worship. She emphasizes the importance of ritual practices in ancient cultures, using examples from Greek and Egyptian contexts to illustrate how art evolved from these foundational rituals. By positing that the essence of both art and ritual lies in embodied emotional expression, Harrison presents a compelling framework for understanding the historical significance of artistic practices.
Primitive Athens as described by Thucydides
"Primitive Athens as described by Thucydides" by Jane Ellen Harrison is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work critically examines the ancient city of Athens as articulated by the historian Thucydides, particularly focusing on its character and limits prior to the unification under Theseus. Through an analysis supported by archaeological evidence and literary interpretations, Harrison seeks to illuminate the smaller, more primitive Athens that preceded its later grandeur. At the start of the book, Harrison provides a preface explaining her motivations for writing this work, particularly her desire to counter the prevailing interpretations of Thucydides’ accounts that she believes do not align with contemporary archaeological findings. She suggests that Thucydides describes an Athens that consisted primarily of the Acropolis and a few surrounding areas, highlighting the distinction between the early scattered communities and the larger city that would develop later. The opening introduces the concept of “citadel communities” or “burghs,” which were at the heart of ancient Athenian life before the transformative Synoikismos led by Theseus, asserting the book's intent to establish a clearer vision of Athens' early history and its significance.
Reminiscences of a student's life
"Reminiscences of a Student’s Life" by Jane Ellen Harrison is an autobiographical memoir written in the early 20th century. The work traces the author’s personal experiences, reflections, and development as a woman scholar, particularly within the context of Victorian and Edwardian England. The book delves into Harrison's formative years, academic journey, and the broader cultural and intellectual shifts that shaped her life and work. The opening of this memoir recounts Harrison's childhood in Yorkshire, marked by vivid early impressions of Russia and Russian culture, family traditions, and a deep pride in her local roots. Harrison describes her upbringing with a mixture of humor and candor, providing insights into family dynamics, education by governesses, and the social expectations placed upon young women. Her anecdotes highlight the constraints and eccentricities of a Victorian education, her father's old-fashioned views, moments of childish ambition, and early encounters with literature and religion. Through personal recollections, she sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of how her background and early experiences influenced her later academic passions and perspectives.