Greek Orators VIII: Isaeus Orations: 1, 2, 4 and 6

The four selected speeches were composed by a professional speechwriter, Isaeus, for litigants contesting inheritance claims in the Athenian courts of the fourth century BC. They offer intriguing glimpses into the domestic life of (mainly wealthy) Athenian families, with stories of forged wills, family quarrels, illegitimate children, divorce, and prostitution. The main focus is on legal issues, showing that Isaeus sought to convince the judges that the law was on his clients' side through carefully constructed narratives and persuasive argumentation. The combination of translations and commentaries makes the selected speeches accessible to readers with little or no knowledge of classical Greek, and will also be useful to specialists seeking to explore Isaeuss work in greater depth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

In the Athenian courts of the fourth century BC, litigants engaged in inheritance disputes sought the assistance of a skilled speechwriter named Isaeus. He crafted four selected speeches that provide captivating insights into the domestic lives of predominantly wealthy Athenian families. These narratives unveil scandalous tales of forged wills, family quarrels, illegitimate children, divorce, and prostitution, offering a window into the private world of these Athenian households. The speeches also depict contrasting stereotypes of women, showcasing both the dutiful wife and the deceitful seductress.

In the first comprehensive English language commentaries on these speeches in over a century, the primary focus lies on the legal aspects as the key to understanding Isaeus' rhetorical strategy. The aim is to demonstrate that he did not, as modern scholars have sometimes suggested, disregard the law and pursue cases solely on moral grounds. Instead, Isaeus employed meticulously crafted narratives and persuasive but sometimes convoluted argumentation to persuade the judges that the law was firmly on his clients' side.

The combination of translations and commentaries makes the selected speeches accessible to readers with limited or no knowledge of classical Greek. No prior familiarity with Athenian law is assumed, but the book also serves as a valuable resource for specialists seeking to delve deeper into Isaeus' work.

These speeches not only shed light on the legal proceedings of the time but also offer valuable cultural and social insights into the Athenian society of the fourth century BC. They provide a glimpse into the values, customs, and social dynamics of the Athenian elite, revealing their attitudes towards marriage, family, and inheritance.

By examining these speeches, scholars and researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and rhetorical strategies employed in ancient Greek courts. They can also explore the broader social and cultural context in which these speeches were delivered, gaining a more comprehensive perspective on the ancient world.

In conclusion, Isaeus' four selected speeches offer a unique and valuable perspective on the domestic lives and legal disputes of Athenian families in the fourth century BC. Through their careful analysis and interpretation, these speeches provide valuable insights into ancient Greek society, law, and rhetoric. They serve as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the significance of legal discourse in shaping historical events and societal norms.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 155 x 219 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802077131