Classical Athens and the Delphic oracle : divination and democracy /

Bowden (King's College, London) studies the influence of the Delphic Oracle in Athenian politics, both as a way to explore how the oracle normally functioned and as a case study on the importance of religion in Athenian democracy. Bowden's cautious analysis establishes that Athenians consulted Delphi regularly to discover the will of the gods concerning political affairs connected with religion, but suggests that the questions asked of the oracle received succinct, clear answers. Detailed poetic oracles were composed after the fact, and actual responses were seldom ambiguous. The author demonstrates the centrality of religion in Athenian democracy, citing not merely Delphi's prestige but also the importance of religion to critical areas of public policy as well as more routine political activities. Thus, his book offers broader insight into the functioning of Athens' democratic society than its title might suggest. All scholars of Athenian democracy should read this brief, well-written book. The publisher deserves praise for its numerous photographs and diagrams, footnotes, scholarly appendix, and extensive bibliography, as well as for publishing the book in an affordable paperback edition. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. J. M. Williams SUNY Geneseo