The Greek Polis and the Invention of Democracy A Politico-cultural Transformation and Its Interpretations

"This exciting and accessible collection of well-written essays, by a stellar group of international scholars, sheds new light on ancient democracy and its role in critical reassessments of contemporary democracy and liberalism. This book demonstrates anew the vibrancy and relevance of classical Greek politics, society, and culture. Essential reading for all students of democracy, ancient and modern." - Josiah Ober, Stanford University
 
"Kurt Raaflaub's distinguished 'The Ancient World: Comparative Histories' series acquires herewith another eminently worthy member, which bears his personal stamp both as inspirational co-editor and as contributor with a special interest and expertise in ancient Greek politics and political thought. From the sensitive introduction (by another of the co-editors) to the concluding essay on ideas of liberty ancient and modern the multinational cast of leading experts takes the longest possible view of what matters most about the ancient Greeks' invention of democracy from its original location within their peculiar polis state-form to its current, very different receptions around the world today. Students of Sophocles and Aristophanes, and of Schopenhauer, Wagner and Nietzsche, among many others, will find their tastes and interests equally well served." - Paul Cartledge, University of Cambridge