Publisher's Synopsis
The Minor Attic Orators: Speeches and Commentary, the Recreations
Volume One: Antiphon and Andocides: Volume Two: Lycurgus, Dinarchus, Demades, and Hyperides "The Minor Attic Orators: Speeches and Commentary, the Recreations" offers a comprehensive exploration of the speeches and orations of some of ancient Athens' most influential orators. Divided into two volumes, this collection delves into the works of six notable figures from the golden age of Athenian democracy. Volume One begins with a focus on Antiphon and Andocides, two figures who left lasting imprints on the legal and political landscape of Athens. Through detailed analysis and insightful commentary, readers gain a deeper understanding of Antiphon's rhetorical techniques and his contributions to the development of Athenian law. Meanwhile, Andocides' speeches provide valuable insights into the religious controversies and political intrigues of his time, showcasing his skill as an orator and his role in shaping Athenian history. Volume Two shifts the spotlight to four additional orators: Lycurgus, Dinarchus, Demades, and Hyperides. Lycurgus emerges as a passionate defender of Athenian democracy, while Dinarchus exposes political corruption and advocates for justice. Demades navigates the complexities of Athenian politics with pragmatism and diplomacy, while Hyperides champions individual rights and democratic principles with fervor. Through their speeches, readers witness the dynamic interplay of ideas and ideologies that characterized Athenian society during this pivotal period. Drawing from the Loeb Classical Library's volumes on the Minor Attic Orators (L308 and L395), this collection offers recreations of select speeches accompanied by commentary that contextualizes the orations within their historical and literary contexts. By blending scholarly analysis with engaging recreations, "The Minor Attic Orators" provides both students and enthusiasts of classical literature with a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the speeches of ancient Athens' lesser-known but no less significant orators.
