Xenophon S Defence Of The Athenian Democracy

Xenophon of Athens was a pupil of Socrates and a philosopher in his own right. He wrote two of the texts included in this volume, the Hiero (On Tyranny) and the Constitution of the Spartans. The third, the Constitution of the Athenians, is found under Xenophon's name alongside the other two in the manuscripts. The works represent three distinct types of government (the rule of one man in tyranny and kingship, the rule of law in the mixed constitution of the Spartans, and the rule of the masses in the Athenian democracy), but there are common features throughout. This volume presents an introduction discussing Xenophon's views on government in the context of his general political thought, drawing particularly on his Socratic work Memorabilia, and a commentary on the Greek text of each work aimed primarily at advanced undergraduates and graduate students.

One of classical Greece's most worldly and lucid writers, Xenophon across his many works gave a restless criticism of power: democratic, oligarchic and autocratic. From military campaigns (in which he took part), through the great powers of his day (Sparta, Persia, Athens) to modes of control within the household, he observed intimately and often with partisan passion. In this work a leading French Hellenist, Vincent Azoulay, analyses across Xenophon's diverse texts the techniques by which the Greek writer recommends that leaders should manipulate. Through gifts and personal allure, though mystique, dazzling appearance, exemplary behaviour, strategic absences - and occasional terror, Xenophon analyses ways in which a powerful few might triumphantly replace the erratic democracies and self-indulgent oligarchies of his day. First published in French (in 2004) to international acclaim, this book is here translated for the first time, revised and updated.

Examines how Xenophon instructs his elite readers concerning the values and skills needed to lead the Athenian democracy.

Xenophon’s personal history was exceptional for its combination of Socratic education and the exercise of military leadership in a time of crisis. His writings provide an intellectually and morally consistent response to his times and to the issue of ethical but effective leadership, and they play a special role in defining our sense of the post-Athenian-Empire Greek world. Recent Xenophontic scholarship has established the general truth of these claims. The current volume will not only reinforce them but also contribute to greater understanding of a voice that is neither simply ironic nor simply ingenuous and of a view of the world that is informed by an engagement with history.

"The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians" presents a quick overview of Sparta and Athens, outlining their natures and political systems. The book offers excellent insights into the Athenian democracy and compares it with the political order of Sparta, which could be described as "communist" today. It is perfect for anyone taking history lessons or interested in the Antique period.

The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians by Xenophon. Translation by H. G. Dakyns. Xenophon the Athenian was born 431 B.C. He was a pupil of Socrates. He marched with the Spartans, and was exiled from Athens. Sparta gave him land and property in Scillus, where he lived for many years before having to move once more, to settle in Corinth. He died in 354 B.C. The Polity of the Lacedaemonians talks about the laws and institutions created by Lycurgus, which train and develop Spartan citizens from birth to old age.

2When Aidan MacKetryck finds a flaxen-haired maid caught in the crosshairs of battle, he quickly saves her from certain death. But while Aiden expects gratitude, he is sorely disappointed - for the fiery lass makes it clear she wants nothing to do with him. Juliana D'Aubenville is in hiding from those who want her entire family to perish. Despite her attraction to the strikingly handsome Aiden, Juliana knows she must escape before her identity is revealed. The trouble is, Aiden refuses to let her go. With each moment Aiden and Juliana are together, their desire becomes more enticing - and harder to resist. But just as Aiden tries to lay claim to Juliana once and for all, their darkest secrets are finally revealed - putting both their love and their lives in terrible danger.