Xenophon Oeconomicus: A Social and Historical Commentary

Abstract

The Oeconomicus is unique in Greek literature in combining a discussion of the proper management of an oikos (`family', `household', or `estate') and didactic material on agriculture within a Socratic dialogue. It is one of the richest primary sources for the social, economic, and intellectual history of classical Athens. It contains valuable information and raises questions of perennial interest on marriage; the innate moral, physical, and mental qualities of men and women; the functioning of domestic and public economies; rural and urban life; Greek slavery; popular religion; the role of education, and many other topics. Despite the current widespread interest in the subjects discussed in the Oeconomicus, this text has been largely neglected. In this book Professor Pomeroy provides a new translation to complement the Oxford Classical Text, and a comprehensive introduction and commentary, making the book readily accessible to those both with and without Greek. She covers a wide range of subjects including agriculture, philosophy, and social, military, intellectual, and economic history. It should be of special interest to scholars and students of classics, history, philosophy, as well as women's studies.

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