The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World [Hardcover]

Robert Garland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1995

Garland here offers the first detailed investigation of the plight of those Greeks and Romans who, owing either to deformity or to disability, did not meet their society's exacting criteria for the ideal human form. Drawing on classical drama and poetry, historical works, medical tracts, vase painting and sculpture, mythology, and ethnography, Garland examines the high incidence of disability and deformity among the Greek and Roman population.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... should be read by everyone with a concern for where we come from morally, intellectually, politically and culturally.' --Paul Cartledge, Times Higher Educational Supplement

'Garland's enthusiasm and erudition have produced one of the most readable and informative books of recent years in the field of ancient social history ... an excellent introduction to the subject.' --Tim Parkin, Classical Review --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

ROBERT GARLAND is Professor of Classics at Colgate University, New York. He is the author of many books, including most recently Celebrity in Antiquity: From Media Tarts to Tabloid Queens (Duckworth 2006), Julius Caesar (Bristol Phoenix Press 2004), Surviving Greek Tragedy (Duckworth 2004), The Daily Life of the Greeks (Greenwood Press, 2nd edn 2008), The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World (Duckworth 1995), and Religion and the Greeks (Bristol Classical Press 1994). --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801431441
• ISBN-13: 978-0801431449
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,626,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview, Inspires More Research, April 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book. I read it for a research paper, and really enjoyed it. Garland researches his subject well, with hundreds of sources, and reminds the reader to be careful of archaeological bias. The extensive picture section was also very helpful, as is his bibliography. This is a great book for anyone with a little background in Classical studies who wants to learn more about this interesting aspect of ancient private life.