A radical re-evaluation of homosexuality in Ancient Greece by a new historian described as "the best thing to happen to ancient history in decades." Kenneth Dover's book, GREEK HOMOSEXUALITY, remains the most recent major study on the subject, published in 1978. James Davidson, drawing on fifteen years of research, rejects Dover's overly theoretical approach, using a variety of sources unknown to him, such as court cases, romantic novels, satirical plays, and poems. He presents a view that, contrary to Dover and Foucault, emphasizes the humanity of the ancient Greeks and how they lived their loves and pleasures, rather than the moral codes and theories of the philosophers.

Homosexuality in Ancient Greece remains a central area of discussion in classical studies, ancient history, as well as in lesbian and gay history studies. Greek culture is a central pillar of our own, providing the basis for so many elements of Western culture and philosophy. The Greeks were more tolerant of homosexuality than almost any other culture, certainly more than the Western cultures that followed. The degree to which Greek attitudes towards sexuality, and in particular their privileged position on "Greek Love," compare and contrast with our own highlights the ongoing discussion regarding the formation of sexuality and the much broader question of the roles of nature and nurture in shaping human behavior and personality.

Pages: 656, Year of Publication: 0201, Dimensions: 15.4x15.4cm