The Athenian Institution of the Khoregia: The Chorus, the City and the Stage [Hardcover]

Peter Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2000 | ISBN-10: 052155070X | ISBN-13: 978-0521550703

This book is the first major study of the means by which the classical Athenians organised and funded their many festival choruses. It explores the mechanics of the institution by which a minority of rich citizens were required to arrange and pay for a festival chorus, including choruses for tragic and comic drama, and situates this duty within the range of occasions for elite leadership in Athens' elaborate festival calendar. Peter Wilson goes on to show the importance of the khoregia to our understanding of the workings of Athenian democracy itself, and to demonstrate the degree to which the institution was itself a highly performative occasion, an opportunity for elite display in the democratic environment. The post-classical history of the khoregia and its appearance in a wide range of other Greek communities are also examined.

Editorial Reviews

Review

''This is the first major modern account of the Athenian khoregia ... The author has reflected deeply on his subject and has given us a stimulating book.' Journal of Hellenic Studies

Book Description

This book is the first major study of a central cultural institution of classical Athens, the khoregia - the means whereby the Athenians organised and funded their festival choruses. It explores the mechanics of the institution and demonstrates its importance to our understanding of the working of Athenian democracy itself.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 452 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052155070X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521550703
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,021,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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