Greek Homosexuality: Updated and with a New Postscript - Softcover

Dover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0674362705 ISBN 13: 9780674362703

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1989

Synopsis

To what extent and in what ways was homosexuality approved by the ancient Greeks? An eminent classicist examines the evidence―vase paintings, archaic and classical poetry, the dialogues of Plato, speeches in the law courts, the comedies of Aristophanes―and reaches provocative conclusions. A discussion of female homosexuality is included.

About this title

About the Author

Sir Kenneth Dover was Professor of Greek at the University of St. Andrews and former President of Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, UK. He published widely on ancient Greek writers, language and sexuality.

Stephen Halliwell is Professor of Greek and Wardlaw Professor of Classics at the University of St Andrews, UK.

Mark Masterson is Senior Lecturer in the School of Art History, Classics and Religious Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

James Robson is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Classical Studies at the Open University, UK.

Review

“A landmark study... One cannot underestimate the importance of Mr. Dover’s book. With philological brilliance and scholarly objectivity, he presents facts that can no longer be ignored. It is a step closer toward understanding the complex nature of the Greeks, whom we claim as cultural fathers. It is also a step closer to understanding human nature.”―Erich Segal, New York Times Book Review

“Dover’s is an authoritative discussion; he is a philologist of great stature with wide achievement as editor, commentator, and literary critic... The subject was one which needed to be exposed to the light of day; we can be thankful that it has been done by a great scholar and one who treats the subject without prejudice.”―Bernard Knox, New York Review of Books

“An unprejudiced description of the homosexual phenomena depicted by classical Greek artists and writers has long been an urgent desideratum. Dover’s book fills this need successfully. In its collection and interpretation of the ancient evidence it will be indispensable for broader and/or more specialized explorations of the sexual aspects of Greek art and society.”―Jeffrey Henderson, Classical World

“Greek Homosexuality provides―finally―an unvarnished look at Athenian homosexuality... [It is] now the standard volume on the subject.”―John Scarborough, American Historical Review

“In Greek classes past teachers used to slide quickly over the exact nature of the relationships between men and boys in ancient Athens... In this expert, candid, and wry study all is made clear.”―Washington Post

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674362705
• ISBN 13: 9780674362703
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 256