Description
Book SynopsisA holistic study of five key texts of Athenian oratory, this book unravels the complex cultural constructions of sexual labor in classical Athens and offers a new perspective on the history of sex laborers in ancient Greece.
Trade Review[
Sexual Labor in the Athenian Courts] will be a valuable addition to the library of scholars in Athenian forensic oratory and ancient sexuality and gender. * The Classical Review *
[A] splendid and important book...Glazebrook’s demonstration of the potential power of even enslaved sex laborers in Athens is a signal example of the many insights found in this volume. Scholars of Athens, and academics pursuing gender and liberation studies, are alike now indebted to Allison Glazebrook for an outstanding book, well-organized, well-researched and well-written, offering a pioneering approach to the writing of social history. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
A valuable contribution to the field…[
Sexual Labor in the Athenian Courts] is a book which will be valuable for new students of sexuality and gender in antiquity and for experienced scholars alike...Glazebrook provides a worthwhile discussion of how the portrayal of sex labourers is used by the orators to expose and test the tensions within Athenian social norms and institutions...the book’s streamlined focus constrains discussions to the Attic orators, resulting in a tight, focused and thorough exploration of sexual labour within the genre. * Journal of Hellenic Studies *
Glazebrook’s writing is clear and to the point. The introduction’s explanation of the Athenian court system, with a map indicating potential locations of the courts, reveals two strengths of the book that will be found throughout: incorporating material evidence and maintaining accessibility for nonspecialists...The standout features of the book are its consideration of place and movement, its inclusion of material culture, its amplification of female citizenship, and its accessibility...The book achieves its aims of treating the trope of the sex laborer in the orators as a window into Athenian society. * American Historical Review *
Table of ContentsList of Figures
A Note to the Reader
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Under the Influence
2. In the Oikos
3. Part of the Family
4. Same-Sex Desire
5. Citizen Sex Slaves
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
