Politics and society in ancient Greece /

Jones (Univ. of Pittsburgh) argues that one of the main political forces in the Greek city-state was image making. Politicians acquired nicknames like the "Just" or boasted of special connections with the gods because they wished to impress the populace. In Athens, politicians from all parties used such ploys, but the aristocrats eventually found it difficult to compete with their rivals in the public relations game. They thus formed political associations to control voters by distributing ballots or other such methods, but when these legitimate techniques failed, they resorted to violence and intimidation. The author's suggestion that Solon's complicated legislation was aimed at accommodating arrivistes is intriguing. Jones's discussions of political institutions and society in the context of over 20 brief biographies of "conservatives" and "liberals" are useful. His view that women played an important role in society is persuasive, and contrary to prevailing opinion. Strong female characters on the Athenian stage and the important role of certain priestesses reveal the significance of females in the public sphere. Jones is an insightful scholar. This thoughtful and lucid book should be of great use as a supplemental text in undergraduate Greek history courses. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. A. J. Papalas East Carolina University