Title
Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People,Used
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This book asks an important question often ignored by ancient historians and political scientists alike: Why did Athenian democracy work as well and for as long as it did? Josiah Ober seeks the answer by analyzing the sociology of Athenian politics and the nature of communication between elite and nonelite citizens. After a preliminary survey of the development of the Athenian 'constitution,' he focuses on the role of political and legal rhetoric. As jurymen and Assemblymen, the citizen masses of Athens retained important powers, and elite Athenian politicians and litigants needed to address these large bodies of ordinary citizens in terms understandable and acceptable to the audience. This book probes the social strategies behind the rhetorical tactics employed by elite speakers.A close reading of the speeches exposes both egalitarian and elitist elements in Athenian popular ideology. Ober demonstrates that the vocabulary of public speech constituted a democratic discourse that allowed the Athenians to resolve contradictions between the ideal of political equality and the reality of social inequality. His radical reevaluation of leadership and political power in classical Athens restores key elements of the social and ideological context of the first western democracy.
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has four hundred pages. It provides an in-depth analysis of Athenian democracy and its historical context.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it flexible and lightweight, perfect for easy reading and portability.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of the book are six inches in length, one point zero three inches in width, and nine point one inches in height. These measurements ensure it fits comfortably on most bookshelves.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Josiah Ober. He is known for his expertise in ancient history and political science.
- Q: What is the main subject of the book? A: The main subject is Athenian democracy. It explores the dynamics between elite and nonelite citizens in ancient Athens.
- Q: What themes does the book cover? A: The book covers themes of rhetoric, ideology, and the power of the people. It examines how these elements shaped Athenian politics.
- Q: How should I read this book for best understanding? A: You should read this book attentively, as it delves into complex ideas about democracy and social strategies. Take notes on key arguments for better retention.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone interested in ancient history? A: Yes, this book is suitable for anyone interested in ancient history. It provides valuable insights into Athenian political culture.
- Q: What readership level is this book aimed at? A: This book is aimed at a general audience but is especially suitable for students and scholars of history and political science.
- Q: How should I take care of this paperback book? A: To care for the paperback, keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store it upright on a shelf to prevent bending.
- Q: Can I lend this book to others? A: Yes, you can lend this book to others. Just ensure they handle it carefully to avoid damage.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have a return policy for such cases.
- Q: Is there a warranty on this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, you can check the return policy with the seller.
- Q: What if I have questions while reading this book? A: If you have questions while reading, consider joining a discussion group or searching online forums for insights from other readers.
- Q: How can I find more books like this one? A: You can find more books like this by searching in the same category, such as ancient history or political science, at your local bookstore or online.
- Q: What is the significance of Athenian democracy discussed in the book? A: The significance lies in its role as one of the first examples of democracy, exploring how it functioned and the balance between equality and inequality.