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What the Greeks Did for Us

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( 36 ratings, 6 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
What the Greeks Did for Us by Tony Spawforth delves into the extensive influence of ancient Greek culture on modern civilisation. The book explores how the Greeks' innovations in areas such as democracy, philosophy, art, and architecture have shaped the world today. Through engaging narratives, Tony Spawforth provides insight into the enduring legacy of the Greeks on contemporary societies.
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Format: Hardback
$7100

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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by how ancient Greek innovations and culture have shaped the modern world. This work offers an engaging exploration of the myriad ways in which Greek achievements in fields like politics, philosophy, science, and the arts have left a lasting impact on contemporary society. Its insightful analysis and historical anecdotes make it a compelling read for anyone interested in the enduring legacy of Greek civilisation.

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An enjoyable, accessible exploration of the legacy of ancient Greece today, across our daily lives and all forms of popular culture

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

An enjoyable, accessible exploration of the legacy of ancient Greece today, across our daily lives and all forms of popular culture.

Our contemporary world is inescapably Greek. Whether in a word like “pandemic,” a Freudian state of mind like the “Oedipus complex,” or a replica of the Parthenon in a Chinese theme park, ancient Greek culture shapes the contours of our lives. Ever since the first Roman imitators, we have been continually falling under the Greeks’ spell.

But how did ancient Greece spread its influence so far and wide? And how has this influence changed us?

Tony Spawforth explores our classical heritage, wherever it’s to be found. He reveals its legacy in everything from religion to popular culture, and unearths the darker side of Greek influence—from the Nazis’ obsession with Spartan “racial purity” to the elitism of classical education. Paying attention to the huge breadth and variety of Hellenic influence, What the Greeks Did for Us paints an essential portrait of the ancient world’s living legacy—considering to whom it matters, and why.

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?

Tony Spawforth's book provides a contemporary lens on Greek antiquity, highlighting its vast influence on modern culture while addressing the moral and political dynamics of the 2020s. With enthusiasm and erudition, Spawforth navigates topics like democracy, philosophy, and slavery, contrasting Greece's timeless cultural legacy with its enduring controversies. Acknowledged for its engaging narrative and depth, the book is viewed as a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between ancient Greece and today's world.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300258028

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 March 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 24 color illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Tony Spawforth is emeritus professor of ancient history at Newcastle University. As well as leading cultural tours in Greece, he has presented eight documentaries for the BBC and has published thirteen books, including The Story of Greece and Rome.

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  • What the Greeks Did for Us
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