
Demosthenes
By Demosthenes
330
First Published
3.89
Average Rating
304
Number of Pages
This volume presents a newly edited Greek text of one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek prose, a speech delivered by the orator Demosthenes before a court in Athens in 330 BCE. The book contains an introductory essay outlining the historical situation that gave rise to the speech, the nature of Demosthenes' rhetorical art, and the history of the text. The greater part of the book consists of a commentary that elucidates the text and makes clear how Demosthenes achieved his objectives.
Avg Rating
3.89
Number of Ratings
27
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3 STARS
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2 STARS
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1 STARS
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Author

Demosthenes
Author · 10 books
Demosthenes was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. Demosthenes learned rhetoric by studying the speeches of previous great orators. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20, in which he argued effectively to gain from his guardians what was left of his inheritance. For a time, Demosthenes made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.