Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People

Name: Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People
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Book Synopsis: This book asks an important question often ignored by ancient historians and political scientists alike: Why did Athenian democracy work as well and for as long as it did? Josiah Ober seeks the answer by analyzing the sociology of Athenian politics and the nature of communication between elite and nonelite citizens. After a preliminary survey of the development of the Athenian "constitution," he focuses on the role of political and legal rhetoric. As jurymen and Assemblymen, the citizen masses of Athens retained important powers, and elite Athenian politicians and litigants needed to address these large bodies of ordinary citizens in terms understandable and acceptable to the audience. This book probes the social strategies behind the rhetorical tactics employed by elite speakers. A close reading of the speeches exposes both egalitarian and elitist elements in Athenian popular ideology. Ober demonstrates that the vocabulary of public speech constituted a democratic discourse that allowed the Athenians to resolve contradictions between the ideal of political equality and the reality of social inequality. His radical reevaluation of leadership and political power in classical Athens restores key elements of the social and ideological context of the first western democracy.

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If you've ever wondered why Athenian democracy prospered for as long as it did, Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People is the book you've been waiting for. Ancient historians and political scientists often overlook this crucial question, but Josiah Ober tackles it head-on, providing valuable insights into the sociology of Athenian politics and the communication dynamics between the elite and nonelite citizens.

Discover the underlying factors that made Athenian democracy so successful. Ober examines the development of the Athenian "constitution" and delves into the persuasive power of political and legal rhetoric. Uncovering the secrets of how elite politicians and litigants successfully addressed the citizen masses, this book reveals the social strategies behind their actions.

By closely analyzing various speeches, Ober uncovers both egalitarian and elitist elements within Athenian popular ideology. He unveils the language and discourse that allowed the Athenians to reconcile the contradictions between their ideals of political equality and the harsh realities of social inequality.

If you're ready for a radical reevaluation of leadership and political power in classical Athens, Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens is a must-read. Gain valuable insights into the social and ideological context of the first western democracy, and unravel the mysteries behind its remarkable longevity.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening exploration of ancient history. Uncover the untold story of Athenian democracy and be inspired by the power of the people. Get your copy today!

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