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Telling, Turning Moments in the Classical Political World
Author(s): Jan H. Blits (Author)
- Publisher: Lexington Books (UK)
- Publication Date: 16 Jan. 2011
- Language: English
- Print length: 192 pages
- ISBN-10: 073916449X
- ISBN-13: 9780739164495
Book Description
Turning, Telling Moments in the Classical Political World examines developments in the classical political world which are both turning and telling moments. All the moments—from Theseuss founding of Athens to Augustuss establishment of the Principate—possess the double character of being turning points and revealing fundamental aspects of the ancient political world.
While most books on ancient history are chiefly concerned with questions of literary sources and historical accuracy, this book deals with the significance of the facts and reports themselves. Blits treats the ancient histories as works of reflection rather than works of research. Instead of focusing on whether, or how, the ancient historians meet the professional standards of present-day historiography, Blits reveals the way they themselves understand-and intend us to understand-the ancient world.
While most books on ancient history are chiefly concerned with questions of literary sources and historical accuracy, this book deals with the significance of the facts and reports themselves. Blits treats the ancient histories as works of reflection rather than works of research. Instead of focusing on whether, or how, the ancient historians meet the professional standards of present-day historiography, Blits reveals the way they themselves understand-and intend us to understand-the ancient world.
Editorial Reviews
Review
This engrossing book succeeds in its plan of presentation as well as in its interpretative vision. Selected events of Greek and Roman antiquity are presented in terms of ”turning moments,” each flushed out with memorable detail and each resonating with crucial human and political significance. The thesis that Athens and Rome are mutually illuminating opposites, related as poetry to prose, adds a unifying tenor. This is a thoughtfulhistory. — Eva Brann, St. John”s College, Annapolis
About the Author
Jan H. Blits is professor emeritus at the University of Delaware.
