Description
Book Synopsis[Wolpert and Kapparis''s] anthology . . . stands apart in a number of key ways. Virtually all of the translations, which are of very high quality, are new for this volume. . . .
Each of the introductions to the individual speeches is accompanied by a convenient outline, entitled Key Information'', of the important details about the dispute; this feature will be particularly welcome to undergraduates and other beginners, for whom Athenian forensic speeches often present at first glance a welter of soap opera-like complexity. In the summary that precedes Against Neaera, for example, the subheadings include ''Speaker'', Supporting Speaker'', ''Defendant'', Other Individuals'' (particularly helpful), Action'', ''Penalty'' and Date''. Having this information collected in one handy location is very useful indeed.
One minor yet remarkably useful feature is that [Wolpert and Kapparis] have placed all cross-references to speeches included in the collection in bold typeface. T
Trade Review
An excellent, wide-ranging collection of Athenian speeches illuminating central topics of political, social, and legal history, including male and female sexuality, the ancient economy, Greek law, and major episodes of civic strife. Both accurate and faithful to the orators’ prose style, Wolpert and Kapparis’ new translations come accompanied by informative introductions and notes, a glossary of legal terms, and a helpful bibliography. Highly recommended for courses in the history of classical Athens, ancient rhetoric, and Greek law. --Robert W. Wallace, Northwestern University
This collection offers a broad range of law court speeches from ancient Athens, including both those speeches addressing what we might call 'criminal' matters--homicide, assault, and so on--and those dealing with political matters. The translations are excellent, and the annotation learned. --David Mirhady, Simon Fraser University
"A very thoughtful selection of speeches. . . . The translations are clear and accurate. The introductory notes are wonderfully helpful—written to be accessible to students but with insights that will be appreciated by specialists." --Josiah Ober, Stanford University
