Archaic and Classical Greece: A Selection of Ancient Sources in Translation

by Michael Hewson Crawford, David Whitehead

The aim of this book is to collect in one comprehensive volume a representative selection of ancient sources in translation, with commentary, on the history, institutions, society and economy of the Greek world from c. 750 to 338 BC - that is, the period best known and most important for the evolution of the polis, a form of political community which combined the aspects of city and state in a physical and psychological unity unparalleled either before or since. For us, the inheritors of much that the Greeks created, there is an inherent interest in the way in which they organised their society during these centuries. Although this book assumes no knowledge of Greek, the reader is introduced to a range of key Greek words and concepts which offer a direct insight into the mentality, both collective and individual, of the times. The sources themselves (all of which have been translated by the authors) are supported by introductory commentary, notes, bibliographies, chronological tables and maps. All students and teachers of the history of ancient Greece or of classical civilisation generally will find this book an invaluable tool.

Genres: History, Ancient, Greece

Paperback

First published January 13, 1983

Reviews

[Oisin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A key academic text for the study of ancient Greece, this title is often on the list of compulsory title for formal studies of this subject. Can be a bit dry, and is unlikely to be picked up and read as an interesting narrative, Crawford & Whitehead's book is nonetheless a very important, very elucidating and very useful book in Ancient Greek Studies.