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The Greeks has provided a concise yet wide-ranging introduction to the culture of ancient Greece. In this new and expanded third edition the best-selling volume offers a lucid survey that covers all the key elements of ancient Greek civilization from the age of Homer to the Hellenistic period. It provides detailed discussions of the main trends in literature and drama, philosophy, art and architecture, with generous reference to original sources, and places ancient Greek culture firmly in its political, social and historical context.
The new edition has expanded coverage of the post-Classical period with major expansions in the areas of Hellenistic history, literature and philosophy. More emphasis is placed on the Greek world as a whole, especially on Sparta, and the focus on social history has been increased. The Greeks is an indispensable introduction for all students of Classics, and an invaluable guide for students of other disciplines who require grounding in Greek civilization.
List of contents
1. Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod 2. History 3. Religion and Social Life 4. Literature 5. Philosophy 6. Art Appendix 1. Chronological table Appendix 2. List of translations cited in the text Glossary Index
About the author
Robin Sowerby was Senior Lecturer in English Studies at the University of Stirling, Scotland. Trained as a classicist, his research interests centre upon the Classical tradition. He has written introductory studies of the major Classical epics and is author of
Early Augustan Virgil (2010),
The Augustan Art of Poetry (2006) and
The Classical Legacy in Renaissance Poetry (1994).
Report
"The abundant riches of ancient Greek texts and artifacts make finding a good introductory text a constant challenge. In this new edition, Sowerby has blended together his substantive, rich, and insightful readings of ancient texts with greatly expanded and revised presentations on the political, social, intellectual, and artistic developments, figures, and accomplishments of the Greeks from the Mycenaeans to the Hellenistic age. Loaded with ancient texts and a most useful array of images, plans, and charts, the old core and the new enhancements make this new edition the first choice for an intro course on the ancient Greeks." - Brad L. Cook, University of Mississippi, USA.
"A constant problem for students studying the ancient world for the first time, whether at school or university, is one of context. Who were the important figures discussed in ancient literature and depicted in ancient art? What were the important places and events that shaped this ancient discourse? This volume, with its clear, well informed discussion and well chosen maps and illustrations provides an excellent introduction that will help new students quickly find their way in this ever expanding field of knowledge, while providing lively and thought-provoking reading for the rest of us. It is a useful reference that readers will want to return to again and again." - Adam Bartley, University of Kent, UK.
