Writing Strategies

For biographical collections to form a coherent whole, literary choices had be made and writing strategies applied the individual segments (lives) of what was conceived as an overarching narrative or textual ensemble. In this chapter we analyse genres, models traditions upon which authors, compilers editors relied assert authority text create product meeting expectations, tastes practices community within for whom collection written. We furthermore explore authoriality establish ways in author’s opinions, social entanglement participation scholarly networks contributed shaping not only content but also style his her work. The comparative analysis written texts studied volume shows that authors consistent use persuasion. These constituted powerful tools build convey sense trustworthiness encompassing both authors: modesty (topos humilitatis) self-confidence were, example, put on show strengthen text, while prophecy provided means boost legitimacy institution, dynasty celebrated by collection. Tropes rhetorical devices can identified distant cultural regions – from Carolingian Brittany 14th-century Tibetan Plateau they allowed showcase their learning make sure arouse keep audience’s attention. Focusing thus, surprisingly, reveals unexpected degree proximity between composed across Medieval Eurasia.