A Companion to Greek and Roman Political Thought - (Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World) by Ryan K Balot (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Justice, virtue, and citizenship were at the center of political life in ancient Greece and Rome and were frequently discussed by classical poets, historians, and philosophers. This Companion illuminates Greek and Roman political thought in all its range, diversity, and depth. Thirty-four essays from leading scholars in history, classics, philosophy, and political science provide stimulating discussions of classical political thought, ranging from the Archaic Greek epics to the final days of the Roman Empire and beyond. These essays strike a judicious yet thought-provoking balance between theoretical and historical perspectives.

A Companion to Greek and Roman Political Thought is an authoritative guide to the ancient Greek and Roman political questions that continue to shape and challenge the modern world.

From the Back Cover

A COMPANION TO
GREEK AND ROMAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

"This is not a paean to Greek and Roman culture or a sterile 'appreciation' of their beautiful but obsolete civic life. Rather, Balot's topical approach brings the classical texts into contact with the problems of contemporary politics to demonstrate their continuing relevance ... Highly recommended."
Choice

"Considering the complexity of the topic and the diversity of forces to be integrated, you cannot praise enough what the editor has done ... To make ancient political thought meaningful to us is the omnipresent imperative of the volume. Instead of presenting simple educational recipes for how to act, the otherness of ancient thought is respected everywhere. How to continue questioning ancient thought, and how to apply certain cognitions to our own world? The companion is no catechism, but a profound reference work challenging new interpretations by many generations to come."
Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Justice, virtue, and citizenship were at the center of political life in ancient Greece and Rome and were frequently discussed by classical poets, historians, and philosophers. This Companion illuminates Greek and Roman political thought in all its range, diversity, and depth. Thirty-four essays from leading scholars in history, classics, philosophy, and political science provide stimulating discussions of classical political thought, ranging from the Archaic Greek epics to the final days of the Roman Empire and beyond. These essays strike a judicious yet thought-provoking balance between theoretical and historical perspectives.

A Companion to Greek and Roman Political Thought is an authoritative guide to the ancient Greek and Roman political questions that continue to shape and challenge the modern world.

Review Quotes

"This is an extremely valuable volume, a must for every library; perhaps the paperback will be priced within the reach of at least some individuals." (The Heythrop Journal, 14 April 2015)

About the Author

Ryan K. Balot is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. The author of Greed and Injustice in Classical Athens (Princeton, 2001) and Greek Political Thought (Blackwell, 2006), he specializes in the history of political thought.