| The Rhetoric of Conspiracy in Ancient Athens Contributor(s): Roisman, Joseph (Author) |
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ISBN: 0520247876 ISBN-13: 9780520247871 Publisher: University of California Press OUR PRICE: $84.15 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: November 2006 Annotation: "Original and stimulating."--Paul Cartledge, author of "Spartan Reflections" "This is a work of superior scholarship."--Edwin M. Carawan, author of "Rhetoric and the Law of Draco" |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Literary Criticism | Ancient And Classical - History | Ancient - General - Political Science | History & Theory - General |
| Dewey: 885.010 |
| LCCN: 2005029593 |
| Physical Information: 0.87" H x 6.34" W x 9.12" (1.12 lbs) 214 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Ancient (To 499 A.D.) |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The Attic orators, whose works are an invaluable source on the social and political history of Classical Athens, often filled their speeches with charges of conspiracy involving almost every facet of Athenian life. There are allegations of plots against men's lives, property, careers, and reputations as well as charges of conspiracy against the public interest, the government, the management of foreign affairs, and more. Until now, however, this obsession with conspiracy has received little scholarly attention. In order to develop the first full picture of this important feature of Athenian discourse, Joseph Roisman examines the range and nature of the conspiracy charges. He asks why they were so popular, and considers their rhetorical, cultural, and psychological significance. He also investigates the historical likelihood of the scenarios advanced for these plots, and asks what their prevalence suggests about the Athenians and their worldview. He concludes by comparing ancient and modern conspiracy theories. In addition to shedding new light on Athenian history and culture, his study provides an invaluable perspective on the use of conspiracy as a rhetorical ploy. |