
Greek Homosexuality
Updated and with a New Postscript
K. J. Dover(Author)
Harvard University Press
2nd Edition
Published on 15. October 1989
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-674-36270-3 (ISBN)
Description
To what extent and in what ways was homosexuality approved by the ancient Greeks? An eminent classicist examines the evidence-vase paintings, archaic and classical poetry, the dialogues of Plato, speeches in the law courts, the comedies of Aristophanes-and reaches provocative conclusions. A discussion of female homosexuality is included.
Reviews / Votes
A landmark study... One cannot underestimate the importance of Mr. Dover's book. With philological brilliance and scholarly objectivity, he presents facts that can no longer be ignored. It is a step closer toward understanding the complex nature of the Greeks, whom we claim as cultural fathers. It is also a step closer to understanding human nature. -- Erich Segal * New York Times Book Review * Dover's is an authoritative discussion; he is a philologist of great stature with wide achievement as editor, commentator, and literary critic... The subject was one which needed to be exposed to the light of day; we can be thankful that it has been done by a great scholar and one who treats the subject without prejudice. -- Bernard Knox * New York Review of Books * An unprejudiced description of the homosexual phenomena depicted by classical Greek artists and writers has long been an urgent desideratum. Dover's book fills this need successfully. In its collection and interpretation of the ancient evidence it will be indispensable for broader and/or more specialized explorations of the sexual aspects of Greek art and society. -- Jeffrey Henderson * Classical World * Greek Homosexuality provides-finally-an unvarnished look at Athenian homosexuality... [It is] now the standard volume on the subject. -- John Scarborough * American Historical Review * In Greek classes past teachers used to slide quickly over the exact nature of the relationships between men and boys in ancient Athens... In this expert, candid, and wry study all is made clear. * Washington Post *More details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge, Mass
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
98 halftones
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
390 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-674-36270-3 (9780674362703)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Content
Preface Abbreviations PART I: PROBLEMS, SOURCES AND METHODS 1. Scale 2. The Visual Arts 3. Literature 4. Vocabulary PART II: THE PROSECUTION OF TIMARKHOS A. The Law 1. Male Prostitution 2. Penalties 3. Status 4. Hubris B. Manifestations of Eros 1. Defences against a Charge of Prostitution 2. Eros and Desire 3. Eros and Love 4. Following and Fighting 5. Homosexual Poetry C. Nature and Society 1. Natural Impulse 2. Male and Female Physique 3. Masculine and Feminine Styles 4. Pursuit and Flight 5. Courtship and Copulation 6. Dominant and Subordinate Roles PART III: SPECIAL ASPECTS AND DEVELOPMENTS A. Publicity B. Predilections and Fantasies C. Comic Exploitation D. Philosophical Exploitation E. Women and Homosexuality PART IV: CHANGES A. The Dorians B. Myth and History Postscript, 1989 List of Vases Bibliography Index of Greek Texts and Documents Index of Greek Words General Index