Plutarch's Historical Methods

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Philip Stadter employs a close analysis of the twenty-seven anecdotes of the Mulierum Virtutes to arrive at a clearer and more precise understanding of Plutarch’s use of historical material. Refuting the theory that Plutarch and Polyaenus used a common anthological source, his study shows that Polyaenus’ dependence on Plutarch is unquestionable. The commentary continues with a detailed examination of Plutarch’s purpose, sources, and methods that provides a firm basis for the conclusion that the breadth of Plutarch’s familiarity with historical literature of all periods was far more extensive than has been generally recognized.