Minor Attic Orators, Volume II: Lycurgus. Dinarchus. Demades. Hyperides

by Lycurgus, Dinarchus, Demades

This volume collects the speeches of four orators involved in the ill-fated resistance of Athens to the power of Philip and Alexander the Great of Macedon.

Lycurgus of Athens, ca. 396-325 BCE, concentrated on domestic affairs, especially financial, which he managed for twelve years, and naval matters. He also constructed and repaired important public buildings. Athens refused to surrender him to Alexander and honoured him until his death.

Dinarchus of Corinth, ca. 361-291, as resident alien in Athens became a forensic speaker and also assailed Demosthenes and others. He was accused by Alexander's runaway treasurer Harpalus of corruption. Dinarchus favoured oligarchic government under Macedonian control. He prospered under the regency of Demetrius Phalereus (317-307), but was exiled after the restoration of democracy, returning ca. 292.

Demades of Athens, ca. 380-318, was an able seaman, then unscrupulous politician. He favoured Philip, but fought for Athens at Chaeronea (338). Captured there and released by Philip, he helped to make peace, and later influenced Alexander and then Antipater in Athens' favour. But acceptance of bribes and his tortuous policy ruined him and he was executed by Antipater.

Hyperides of Athens, ca. 390-322, was a forensic and political speaker who was hostile to Philip and led Athens' patriots after 325. For resistance to Antipater he ultimately met death by violence. What survives today of his speeches was discovered in the nineteenth century.

640 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 1 out of 5]

--Bah, this includes the hatchet job "Against Demosthenes" (c.324 BC), by Dinarchus, a speech written while Athens was under Macedonian hegemony, that includes outright lies, in an attempt to uphold a finding by the Areopagus at a time when it itself was corrupted by the interests of Alexander; the context is just one year before the latter's death and the outbreak of a rearguard revolt by Greek cities against Macedonian rule (the Lamian War), after about a dozen years of Macedonian hegemony in Greece. Dinarchus is on the wrong side, in favor of an Athenian oligarchy under Macedonian control, like a modern-day Russian Soviet arguing in favor of the authority of the Politburo. This speech is the exact opposite of 'speaking truth to power'; rather, it reads like an exercise in sycophancy, prosecuting an innocent man on trumped up charges. 'Can you say "show trial", Dinarchus?' He replies: 'Well, of course I can. Now, as to the fee I'm owed for the speech I've written...'

As to inspiration for the speech by Dinarchus, the entirety strikes me as a parody of Demosthenes' "On the False Embassy" and/or "On the Crown"; basically, Dinarchus turns Demosthenes' own words against him, imitates the same prosecutorial style that Demosthenes used, etc.

I was only interested in this volume for the two speeches entitled "Against Demosthenes". I could not make much out of the fragmentary condition of Hyp.5, the other speech so entitled, a speech delivered by Hyperides (or Hypereides). It seems a waste of time to try and understand it, given how incomplete it is.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read lots of the books in The Loeb Classical Library and when I came across this particular book in a book sale for the price of ten Danish kr, well I simply had to get it, as it is difficult to find these books these days for a bargain, and they are snapped up so quickly. But it is a joy to read a classic. I find it incredible that here we have the speech of orators like Lycurgus who lived so long ago - the fourth century BC! We know that the text is based on a thirteenth century manuscripts - the archetype or main transcription now lost. Other texts - the typical fragments come directly from papyri - just think of the time a book of today will last? Even a kindle text. Could they survive 1300 years or more? I have paperbacks that yellow after five years! This element of time travel, of communing with writers and people of long ago fascinates me. But I had also made a study of sophistry, rhetoric and oratory, hence my interest. The speeches in this collection are not at the level of Cicero - but that does not matter - they have their moments - and some are brilliant - some absurd. In the case of Lycurgus we know that he is overzealous in his speech against Leocrates who had left Athens at time of war - with his belongings and his mistress - while abroad he "caused a minor panic" after spreading rumours that Athens was falling. His flight and this rumour mongering, plus his removal of capital during a time of emergency all could be seen as being actionable. You must read on to find out what happens. In the speeches you will notice lots of references to the Greek gods - and some begin with a prayer. J.O. Burt back in 1954 has done a splendid job with the analysis of the speeches and notes - and of course a very clear and accessible translation. I think these kind of texts are splendid to read during a coffee break - as they take you out of your world and time period - and no matter the content - they actually provide an intellectual sanctuary.

[James Violand · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're an Ancient Greek freak, you'll appreciate this book. The speeches contained within paint a picture of Athenian life, customs and beliefs. The orations should benefit students of public speaking for lessons in how to demonstrate conviction.