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Synopsis
Covering material as diverse as curse tablets, coins, tattoos, and legal decrees, Deborah Steiner explores the reception of writing in archaic and classical Greece. She moves beyond questions concerning ancient literacy and the origins of the Greek alphabet to examine representations of writing in the myths and imaginative literature of the period. Maintaining that the Greek alphabet was not seen purely as a means of transcribing and preserving the spoken word, the author investigates parallels between writing and other signifiers, such as omens, tokens, and talismans; the role of inscription in religious rites, including cursing, oath-taking, and dedication; and perceptions of how writing functioned both in autocracies and democracies.
Particularly innovative is the suggestion that fifth-century Greek historians and dramatists portrayed writing as an essential tool of tyrants, who not only issue written decrees but also "inscribe" human bodies with brands and cut up land with compasses and rules. The despotic overtones associated with writing inform discussion of its function in democracies. Although writing could promote equal justice, ancient sources also linked this activity with historical and mythical figures who opposed the populist regime. By examining this highly nuanced portrayal of writing, Steiner offers a new perspective on ancient views of written law and its role in fifth-century Athenian democracy.
Originally published in 1994.
The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
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About the Author
Deborah Tarn Steiner is Visiting Assistant Professor of Classics at Dartmouth College.
Review
"This is a book fertile in ideas, richly documented, and thought provoking.... Everyone will derive benefit and stimulation from this book." (Journal of Hellenic Studies)
"A subtle and deeply engaging narrative, and should take its place as one of the most thought-provoking of all contributions to the cultural history of Greek writing." (Times Literary Supplement)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherPrinceton University Press
- Publication date1994
- ISBN 10 0691032386
- ISBN 13 9780691032382
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Edition number1
- Number of pages280
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The Tyrant's Writ. Myths and Images of Writing in Ancient Greece (Princeton Legacy Library)
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ISBN 10: 0691032386
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The Tyrant's Writ (Princeton Legacy Library)
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The Tyrant's Writ (Princeton Legacy Library)
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The Tyrant's Writ (Princeton Legacy Library)
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The Tyrants' Writ
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THE TYRANT'S WRIT Myths and Images of Writing in Ancient Greece
Published by
Princeton University Press, 1994
ISBN 10: 0691032386
ISBN 13: 9780691032382
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Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Light shelfwear to book and DJ. ; 280 pages; Covering material as diverse as curse tablets, coins, tattoos, and legal decrees, Deborah Steiner explores the reception of writing in archaic and classical Greece. She moves beyond questions concerning ancient literacy and the origins of the Greek alphabet to examine representations of writing in the myths and imaginative literature of the period. Maintaining that the Greek alphabet was not seen purely as a means of transcribing and preserving the spoken word, the author investigates parallels between writing and other signifiers, such as omens, tokens, and talismans; the role of inscription in religious rites, including cursing, oath-taking, and dedication; and perceptions of how writing functioned both in autocracies and democracies. Particularly innovative is the suggestion that fifth-century Greek historians and dramatists portrayed writing as an essential tool of tyrants, who not only issue written decrees but also "inscribe" human bodies with brands and cut up land with compasses and rules. The despotic overtones associated with writing inform discussion of its function in democracies. Although writing could promote equal justice, ancient sources also linked this activity with historical and mythical figures who opposed the populist regime. By examining this highly nuanced portrayal of writing, Steiner offers a new perspective on ancient views of written law and its role in 5th-century Athenian democracy. Seller Inventory # 27436
Quantity: 1 available
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THE TYRANT'S WRIT Myths and Images of Writing in Ancient Greece
Published by
Princeton University Press, 1994
ISBN 10: 0691032386
ISBN 13: 9780691032382
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Ancient World Books, Toronto, ON, Canada
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Light shelfwear to book and DJ. ; 280 pages; Covering material as diverse as curse tablets, coins, tattoos, and legal decrees, Deborah Steiner explores the reception of writing in archaic and classical Greece. She moves beyond questions concerning ancient literacy and the origins of the Greek alphabet to examine representations of writing in the myths and imaginative literature of the period. Maintaining that the Greek alphabet was not seen purely as a means of transcribing and preserving the spoken word, the author investigates parallels between writing and other signifiers, such as omens, tokens, and talismans; the role of inscription in religious rites, including cursing, oath-taking, and dedication; and perceptions of how writing functioned both in autocracies and democracies. Particularly innovative is the suggestion that fifth-century Greek historians and dramatists portrayed writing as an essential tool of tyrants, who not only issue written decrees but also "inscribe" human bodies with brands and cut up land with compasses and rules. The despotic overtones associated with writing inform discussion of its function in democracies. Although writing could promote equal justice, ancient sources also linked this activity with historical and mythical figures who opposed the populist regime. By examining this highly nuanced portrayal of writing, Steiner offers a new perspective on ancient views of written law and its role in 5th-century Athenian democracy. Seller Inventory # 38856
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The Tyrant*s Writ (Princeton Legacy Library, 1761)
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