Pericles of Athens [Hardcover]

Pericles has the rare distinction of giving his name to an entire period of history, embodying what has often been taken as the golden age of the ancient Greek world. Periclean Athens witnessed tumultuous political and military events, and achievements of the highest order in philosophy, drama, poetry, oratory, and architecture.Pericles of Athensis the first book in decades to reassess the life and legacy of one of the greatest generals, orators, and statesmen of the classical world. In this compelling critical biography, Vincent Azoulay takes a fresh look at both the classical and modern reception of Pericles, recognizing his achievements as well as his failings. From Thucydides and Plutarch to Voltaire and Hegel, ancient and modern authors have questioned Pericless relationship with democracy and Athenian society. This is the enigma that Azoulay investigates in this groundbreaking book.Pericles of Athensoffers a balanced look at the complex life and afterlife of the legendary first citizen of Athens.

Vincent Azoulayis assistant professor of ancient Greek history at the Universit? Paris-Est Marne-la-Vall?e and a leading expert on the politics of classical Greece. Fascinating. . . . Azoulay has given us much to think about. ---Peter Green,London Review of Books Less a biography than a critical examination of the Pericles legend. . . . Azoulay reminds us of how unclear the life of Pericles remains, but one learns much from his efforts to penetrate the fog. ---James Romm,Wall Street Journal Striking a balance between adulation and hypercriticism, the author depicts Pericles as a formidable strategos overseeing grandiose public works, including the Parthenon, Odeon, and Long Walls linking Athens to its port of Piraeus, while inwardly mastering the art of remaining silent and suffering 'outrageous assaults without striking back.'. . . Solid, well-researched . . . a worthwhile addition for lovers of ancient histlc