The phantom image : seeing the dead in ancient Rome /

In The Phantom Image, Crowley (Univ. of Chicago) investigates depictions of ghosts in ancient Rome in order to better understand a range of topics related to the representation and perception of images in the ancient visual arts. After a rambling introduction, four chapters address the following topics: the relationships between--and theories about--ghosts and images; the theoretical challenge of materially depicting ghosts; known representations of the ancient invisible underworld; the connection between images of drapery, portrayals of shame, and emotions associated with mourning; and how various theological and philosophical issues related to visual perception in late antiquity are reflected in two extant depictions of "Doubting Thomas" dating from c. 500 CE. The book is ambitious, but perhaps overly so, for at times it seems to strive for explanations of almost global validity. The text is generally written in a style, all too common in academia, rich in socioliterary theory, using terminology that threatens to obscure rather than clarify the points being advanced. The focused analyses of many individual works of ancient art are the most rewarding and thought-provoking aspect of the book, which is beautifully produced and abounds in excellent illustrations, including 25 fine color plates. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through faculty and professionals. --Michael J Johnson, Vanderbilt University