Longinus, an intriguing figure in ancient literary criticism, remains shrouded in mystery. Known for his work "On the Sublime," Longinus presented ideas that challenged conventional rhetoric and influenced thinkers across centuries. Despite the elusive details of his life, his contributions continue to resonate, particularly in discussions of literary theory and aesthetics.

Enigmatic Identity

Determining the true identity of Longinus poses a significant challenge. The earliest manuscripts attribute the work "On the Sublime" to “Dionysius Longinus,” yet the authorship remains uncertain. Some speculate that the author may be Dionysius of Halicarnassus, a noted rhetorician in Rome after 30 B.C.E. Others suggest Cassius Longinus, an Athenian philosopher and associate of Plotinus, executed in 273 C.E. However, many scholars argue the text aligns with a first-century rhetorician, given its stylistic divergence from known works of Dionysius and Cassius. As a result, the true identity of Longinus remains an open question, and scholars continue to use this name for convenience.

Historical Manuscripts

During the Middle Ages, Longinus’s work lay largely in obscurity. "On the Sublime" survived through a single tenth-century manuscript, known as "Parisinus 2036." This manuscript endured significant damage, losing seventeen pages, which affected subsequent copies until they were finally corrected by later editors. Despite these gaps, the text managed to reach a wider audience when Francesco Robortelli published the first printed edition in 1554, in Basel. This milestone sparked further translations and editions, including several in Latin and one notable French translation by Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux in 1674. These versions eventually ignited widespread interest in Longinian thought during the eighteenth century.

The Rise of Longinianism

The eighteenth century marked a significant period of recognition for Longinus. The first English translation appeared in 1652, setting the stage for Longinus's influence in English-speaking literary circles. John Milton’s acknowledgment of Longinus alongside Plato and Aristotle in "Of Education" underscored his relevance. Boileau’s translation further established Longinus as a cornerstone of critical theory, a position it maintained until the early nineteenth century. Figures such as John Dryden and John Dennis amplified his ideas, while Joseph Addison frequently referenced him in "The Spectator" essays. Even Alexander Pope, in his "Essay on Criticism," praised Longinus, indicating his integral role in shaping literary standards of the time.

Impact on Eighteenth-Century Literature

"On the Sublime" profoundly influenced eighteenth-century artistic and literary norms. Longinus emphasized the connection between the artist's character and their work, as well as the union of contrasting elements. These principles resonated with Romanticism, which later distanced itself from classical constraints. The work’s impact extended to various writers, including Jonathan Swift and Laurence Sterne, who subtly wove references to Longinus into their creations, reflecting his established reputation as a tastemaker.

Longinus in Modern Criticism

While the nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw a decline in direct engagement with Longinus, his ideas never entirely faded. Critical figures like T. R. Henn, Samuel H. Monk, Elder Olson, and Allen Tate revisited his theories in the 1930s and 1940s. Although later critics often overlooked Longinus, modernist thinkers, particularly deconstructionists, found value in his work. They explored Longinus’s contributions to blur the boundaries between literary criticism and literature itself. Geoffrey H. Hartman’s assertion that Longinus is "studied as seriously as the sublime texts he comments on" captures the enduring significance of his insights.