Synopses & Reviews
As any reader of the Symposium knows, the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates conversed over lavish banquets, kept watch on who was eating too much fish, and imbibed liberally without ever getting drunk. In other words, James Davidson writes, he reflected the culture of ancient Greece in which he lived, a culture of passions and pleasures, of food, drink, and sex beforeand#8212;and in concert withand#8212;politics and principles. Athenians, the richest and most powerful of the Greeks, were as skilled at consuming as their playwrights were at devising tragedies. Weaving together Greek texts, critical theory, and witty anecdotes, this compelling and accessible study teaches the reader a great deal, not only about the banquets and temptations of ancient Athens, but also about how to read Greek comedy and history.
About the Author
James Davidson is professor in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Warwick. He is a regular contributor to the London Review of Books and the author of the award-winning The Greeks and Greek Love.and#160;
Table of Contents
AcknowledgementsList of IllustrationsMapIntroduction
Part I and#8729; Feasts
1 Eating
2 Drinking
Part II and#8729; Desire
3 Women and Boys
4 A Purchase on the Hetaera
Part III and#8729; The Citizen
5 Bodies
6 Economies
Part IV and#8729; The City
7 Politics and Society
8 Politics and Politicians
9 Tyranny and Revolution
Conclusion
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index