"This book examines the overall testimony of Plato as an expert - albeit a hostile one - about the cultural legacy of Homeric performances at the Panathenaia.

Plato's fine-tuned ear for language - not just any language but in this case the technical language of high-class artisans like rhapsodes - picks up on a variety of authentic expressions and turns of phrase that echo the talk of rhapsodes as they once upon a time practiced their art - and even as they once upon a time spoke about this art."--BOOK JACKET.