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STEIN, M., Definition und Schilderung in Theophrasts Charakteren. Teubner, Stuttgart, 1992. XIX,293p. Original grey cloth. Series: Beiträge zur Altertumskunde, Band 28. ‘The focus of this book is the genuineness of the definitions found in the Characters of Theophrastus. There are thirty definitions, one for each of the sketches or descriptions of character which constitute the bulk of the opusculum. The definitions sometimes fit the sketch well, sometimes less well; there are some which are quite acceptable from a stylistic point of view, and others which contain awkward and seemingly unacceptable elements. All this has occasioned disagreement as to whether the definitions should be attributed to Theophrastus. St. thinks not and argues for his position at length. His method is straightforward. In regard to each sketch he first considers the descriptive portion and then asks whether the definition fits the description. He also calls attention to elements in the definition which are unusual and seem foreign to a genuine Theophrastean definition. Moreover, since a critical treatment of the definitions presupposes a philologically acceptable text based on manuscripts fundamental to the tradition, St. sensibly places a survey of the manuscript tradition at he head of his study. His conclusion is that only three manuscripts have independent value. He also provides up front a discussion of when the Char. Was written, St.’s answer is the second half of 319 B.C.’ (W.W. FORTENBAUGH in Gnomon, 1996, p.453). € 50.00 (Antiquarian) ISBN: 9783519074779