The Art of Forgetting

“A very valuable book on a fascinating and important subject.” — Journal of Roman Studies

“A much-needed articulation . . . of Roman commemoration practices. . . . An engaging survey of Roman history [for] the nonspecialist. . . . Well illustrated.” — The Historian

“An important contribution to the study of commemoration in the classical world. . . . Thorough and well-argued. . . . Lucidly written and enriched by numerous illustrations, this book provides not only a rich source of information about Greek and Roman memory sanctions, but also offers a profound analysis on their development and implications for Roman republican and early imperial politics.” — Tyche

“Flower’s stunning book casts a flood of light on this chilling subject, powerfully showing that the punitive sanctions often deemed imperial originated in the republic with its distinctive culture of memory.”—American Historical Review

“The Art of Forgetting is a fascinating study of the battle between the living and the dead or disgraced for prime turf in the memory space of the Roman elite.”—American Journal of Philology

“Flower’s writing style is accessible and the examples she cites are interesting enough to take the reader on the curious journey into an unfamiliar aspect of the ancient mind.” — United Nations of Roma Victrix

“Closely argued and aptly illustrated. . . . Recommended.” — CHOICE

“This is an outstanding book. The phenomenon of memory sanctions has long needed proper treatment, and Flower’s study is most welcome for anyone interested in the Graeco-Roman world. This book represents a major advance in scholarship.” — Michael Peachin, New York University

“Flower presents a systematic and well-balanced study with widely informed discussion, up-to-date scholarship, and judicious conclusions. It will be valued above all for its insight into the way this particular commemorative behavior was deployed variously in political image-making at different periods.” — John Bodel, Brown University