Pornography and Representation in Greece and Rome [Paperback]

Amy Richlin (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0195067231 | ISBN-13: 978-0195067231 | Edition: First

The first large-scale application of feminist theory to the study of Greek and Roman cultures, this book points to some striking similarities between our culture and that of the ancient world, challenging Foucauldian assumptions about the nature of sexuality. Covering such topics as vase painting, tragic and comic drama from fifth-century Athens, Hellenistic philosophy and sex manuals, Roman history, poetry, wall-painting, representations of gladiatorial combat, and romance novels, the contributors approach sexuality from both sides of the feminist pornography debate, including the use of film theory. A path-breaking application of feminist theory to the study of Greek and Roman cultures, this text offers new insight into the notion of sexuality in the ancient world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The high scholarly level of the informative essays and the carefully selected illustrations provide a rare compendium of sources and a sophisticated yet accessible comment on topics today's students hunger to know but, with rare exceptions, are not served as nutritious a course as this banquet of delights offers."--Paul B. Harvey, Pennsylvania State University

"An excellent collection of essays on eroticism which fulfills a significant gap....Useful for any classicist in literature, art, sociology, and classical culture."--Clifford Braerlmas, St. John Fisher College

"A fine, stimulating, and challenging collection. A superb compliment to other current works on sexuality in the ancient world."--James A. Francis, Rollins College

"As a set these papers make a substantial contribution to classical studies, bringing to bear a complex feminist perspective in an informed, clear, compelling way. This is very much needed, and should have considerable appeal to classicists, feminists, critics and students, and to anyone interested in antiquity and sexuality."--David Konstan, Brown University

"The authors add significantly to the understanding of sexuality in Greece and Rome by applying feminist theory, among others, to their analyses. The volume is remarkable in part for its feminist authorship....But it is also remarkable for the inclusion of material previously unavailable to the nonclassicist, for the variety and range of interpretations, and for the discussions of literary texts side by side with visual art....The 13 contributors represent some of the most recent and provocative work in classical scholarship to date. The handy timeline will help the general reader; the bibliography is particularly useful for the general reader and specialist alike."--Choice

"Most of the papers contain solid scholarship and make an important contribution to understanding classical social and cultural history."--Bowling Green Daily News

"This collection shows that imaginative scholarship can still yield fresh insights."--American Historical Review

"One of the very few large-scale applications of feminist theory to Greco-Roman antiquity."--Richlin, XI

"Well-produced...the authors should be congratulated for tackling the issues rigorously and without straitjacketing their responses."--The Historian

About the Author

Amy Richlin is at University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First edition (May 14, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195067231
• ISBN-13: 978-0195067231
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,020,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars don't let the title fool you, May 17, 2000

By 

TammyJo Eckhart "TammyJo Eckhart" (Bloomington, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Pornography and Representation in Greece and Rome (Paperback)

If one is looking for pornography or erotica from the ancient world, this book is not for you. Instead the articles collected focus on the social aspects of sexuality in ancient Rome using ancient evidence as a basis for understanding the double and sometimes even triple standards for sexual conduct. A good range of topics by some excellent scholars.