Description: A broad look at the sex lives and sexual beliefs of ancient AtheniansThis book aims to make accessible the evidence for - and the controversies surrounding - the sexual behaviour and social attitudes of classical Athenians. Key areas such as marriage, same-sex relationships, prostitution, sexual fantasy, rape, adultery and sexual attraction are dealt with in chapters which discuss the original sources, highlight their strengths and weaknesses as evidence, and consider the main scholarly approaches to them. Throughout Part I there are regular cross references to the source material presented in Part II - which includes a wide range of literary, philosophical, archaeological, artistic and legal evidence.Key features: " A concise and lively introduction to this field of study" Major areas of debate are explored and trends in scholarship are reflected" Readers are encouraged to be active cultural historians through the presentation of the sources" Includes Further Reading, Essay Questions, a Glossary of Technical Terms and useful website sources
Brief description: James Robson is Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University, where his teaching focuses on Greek and Latin language and the literature and social history of ancient Greece. His previous publications include Ctesias' History of Persia: Tales of the Orient (Routledge, 2010: jointly with Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones); Aristophanes: An Introduction (shortlisted for the Anglo-Hellenic League's Runciman Award; Duckworth, 2009) and Humour, Obscenity and Aristophanes (Narr, 2006).His research focuses on the Greek comic playwright, Aristophanes.
Review Quotes: Pleasure and desire are tricky, complicated subjects. James Robson should be applauded for his skill in navigating some of the knottiest problems in Athenian social history. His complete control of the scholarship and his eye for the telling detail ensure that the reader is rewarded on every page.-- "Alastair Blanshard, University of Surrey"