Courtesans & Fishcakes: The Consuming Passions of Classical Athens
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Book Overview
A brilliantly entertaining and innovative history of the ancient Athenians' consuming passions for food, wine and sex. Sex, shopping and fish-madness, Athenian style. This fascinating book reveals... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0312185596
ISBN13:9780312185596
Release Date:January 1998
Publisher:Thomas Dunne Books
Length:371 Pages
Weight:1.65 lbs.
Dimensions:10.0" x 1.3" x 6.8"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Extraordinary!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
A marvelously written, intricate weave from an incredible array of sources that illuminates the significance of Greek appetites (especially for fish -- yes, fish -- and for sex, in multiple forms and layers) and attitudes toward them, and thus, on the way, as it were, what was regarded as virtuous, that the author convincingly shows were central to social, philosophical and poltical life in classical Athens. An extraordinary book offering amazing insights. One awaits the next set of revelations, if there are more to be delivered to us, by Mr. Davidson, with something resembling opsophagia. A tour de force!
Not just for classicists
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
While I would grant that this is a scholarly work by a serious historian I found it an engaging read and quite fascinating. It is one of the few books I have read that really helps one get into the mindset (mentalite) of another civilization, far distant in time and space. I don't think one needs an encyclopaedic knowledge of ancient Greece to appreciate this book but some exposure to other studies of mentalites might be helpful.
Erudite AND fun!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
A book that can take preconceived notions of history, stand them on their heads, and at the same time open up new areas for further research by professional historians while entertaining lay readers is a necessary book. "Courtesans and Fishcakes" is a witty, rational, eminently readable social history of ancient Athens. You won't ever be sorry you read it.
Superb book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
With a elegant style, this book modified my view about some aspects of private life and habits of the ancient Athenians. Davidson goes direct to the point without much philosophical considerations. I strongly recommend it.
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