Originality, that is some kind of novelty in relation to tradition, is a leitmotiv in Hellenistic literature which was later adopted by Roman writers. An always greater importance seems to have been accorded to literary innovation in the more and more bookish milieu of the Hellenistic period. The papers in this issue explore the themes of novelty and tradition among Hellenistic authors from different points of view, as well as the reception of Hellenistic literature and art as a symbol of novelty, during the imperial era.