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Peasant-Citizen and Slave
The Foundations of Athenian Democracy
Series: Verso World History
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Peasant-Citizen and Slave
$3299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is ideal for students and scholars of political theory, classical history, and those interested in the dynamics of labour and democracy in ancient societies.
Putting the peasant-citizen at the heart of ancient Athenian society
Putting the peasant-citizen at the heart of ancient Athenian society
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The controversial thesis at the center of this study is that, despite the importance of slavery in Athenian society, the most distinctive characteristic of Athenian democracy was the unprecedented prominence it gave to free labour. Wood argues that the emergence of the peasant as citizen, juridically and politically independent, accounts for much that is remarkable in Athenian political institutions and culture.
From a survey of historical writings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the focus of which distorted later debates, Wood goes on to take issue with recent arguments, such as those of G.E.M. de Ste Croix, about the importance of slavery in agricultural production. The social, political and cultural influence of the peasant-citizen is explored in a way which questions some of the most cherished conventions of Marxist and non-Marxist historiography.
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Peasant-Citizen and Slave
The controversial thesis at the center of this study is that, despite the importance of slavery in Athenian society, the most distinctive characteristic of Athenian democracy was the unprecedented prominence it gave to free labour. Wood argues that the emergence of the peasant as citizen, juridically and politically independent, accounts for much that is remarkable in Athenian political institutions and...Paperback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Praised as learned, elegantly argued, and important by The Independent, Wood's work is recognised for setting a new agenda in understanding Athens (Times Literary Supplement). Robin Osborne of Magdalen College, Oxford, describes it as a compelling read, always surprising and refreshing.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781784781026
Publisher: Verso Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 November 2015
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Verso Books
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 17.0mm
Width: 156.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 358g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Ellen Meiksins Wood (1942-2016), for many years Professor of Political Science at York University, Toronto, was the author of many books, including Democracy Against Capitalism, The Pristine Culture of Capitalism, The Origin of Capitalism, Peasant-Citizen and Slave, Citizens to Lords, Empire of Capital and Liberty and Property.
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