Sex and Sexuality in Classical Athens - Paperback

by James Robson (Author)

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

Front Jacket

'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 A lively introduction to the sex lives and sexual world of the ancient Athenians From courtship to marriage to adultery and prostitution, James Robson takes a broad look at the sex lives and sexual beliefs of ancient Athenians. Each of the five chapters focuses on a key area - Marriage; Same-Sex Relationships; Prostitution; Rape and Adultery; Sex Appeal, Fantasy and Taboo - and explores both ancient accounts of sexual behaviour and the different ways modern scholars have understood them. The discussion also addresses a range of issues essential to our broader understanding of classical Greek culture, such as the power dynamics of sexual acts and the position of women in society. Sex and Sexuality in Classical Athens also presents a wide selection of images and extracts from original sources in translation, providing direct access to the ancient evidence. As you read, you will be encouraged to scrutinise the debates and documents yourself and form your own opinions about the ways in which ancient Athenians perceived and experienced their sexual world. Key Features -The concentration on classical Athens allows for in-depth study of this historical period -Key Greek terms are included within the translated texts -Includes a comprehensive timeline and further reading James Robson is Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University. Cover image: wine jug 'Lovers' (detail) (c) bpk / Antikensammlung, SMB / Johannes Laurentius. Cover design: [EUP logo] www.euppublishing.com

Back Jacket

'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 A lively introduction to the sex lives and sexual world of the ancient Athenians From courtship to marriage to adultery and prostitution, James Robson takes a broad look at the sex lives and sexual beliefs of ancient Athenians. Each of the five chapters focuses on a key area - Marriage; Same-Sex Relationships; Prostitution; Rape and Adultery; Sex Appeal, Fantasy and Taboo - and explores both ancient accounts of sexual behaviour and the different ways modern scholars have understood them. The discussion also addresses a range of issues essential to our broader understanding of classical Greek culture, such as the power dynamics of sexual acts and the position of women in society. Sex and Sexuality in Classical Athens also presents a wide selection of images and extracts from original sources in translation, providing direct access to the ancient evidence. As you read, you will be encouraged to scrutinise the debates and documents yourself and form your own opinions about the ways in which ancient Athenians perceived and experienced their sexual world. Key Features - The concentration on classical Athens allows for in-depth study of this historical period - Key Greek terms are included within the translated texts - Includes a comprehensive timeline and further reading James Robson is Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University. Cover image: wine jug 'Lovers' (detail) (c) bpk / Antikensammlung, SMB / Johannes Laurentius. Cover design: [EUP logo] www.euppublishing.com

Author Biography

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.