Aeschines and Athenian Politics [Hardcover]

Filling a major gap in scholarship, this is the first full-length study of the Athenian politician Aeschines. Along with Isocrates, Aeschines was one of the most prominent Athenian politicians who advocated friendly ties with the Macedonian king Philip II. Though overshadowed by his famous rival Demosthenes, Aeschines played a key role in the decisive events that marked the rise of Macedonian power in Greece and formed the transition from the Classical to the Hellenistic period. Three long speeches by Aeschines, all delivered in court battles with his opponent Demosthenes, have been preserved and provide us with valuable information about Athenian politics during a major turning point in Greek history. This study of Aeschines' political career examines the reliability of court speeches as historical evidence and shows how they help reveal how democratic institutions actually functioned in Athens when faced with the rise of Macedonian power.

A significant contribution to the scholarship of mid to late fourth-century Athens. --American Historical Review

All scholars of Macedonia or Athens in the 4th century BCE need to consult this book. --Choice

This book is a valuable source for the politics of a turning point in Athenian history. Dense but not dull, the discussion always includes the appropriate background to a topic and is therefore useful at a general level. In the consistent testing and evaluation of evidence from forensic rhetoric, the specialist will also find rewards. --New England Classical Journal

Edward Harris has established a portrait of Aeschines that is credible yet sensitive, and allows the man to emerge from the oratory. --Bryn Mawr Classical Review