To what extent and in what ways was homosexuality approved by the ancient Greeks? An eminent classicist examines the evidence--vase paintings, archaic and classical poetry, the dialogues of Plato, speeches in the law courts, the comedies of Aristophanes--and reaches provocative conclusions. A discussion of female homosexuality is included.
Sir Kenneth Dover is Professor Emeritus of Greek in the University of St. Andrews and former President of Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, UK.
Author(s): K. J. Dover
Edition: revised
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 246
City: Cambridge
Tags: Greek; Homosexuality; Greece; Homosexual
Preface VII
Abbreviations IX
I PROBLEMS, SOURCES AND METHODS
1 Scale 1
2 The Visual Arts 4
3 Literature 9
4 Vocabulary 15
II THE PROSECUTION OF TIMARKHOS
A The Law
1 Male Prostitution 19
2 Penalties 23
3 Status 31
4 Hubris 34
B Manifestations of Eros
1 Defences against a Charge of Prostitution 39
2 Eros and Desire 42
3 Eros and Love 49
4 Following and Fighting 54
5 Homosexual Poetry 57
C Nature and Society
1 Natura/Impulse 60
2 Male and Female Physique 68
3 Masculine and Feminine Styles 73
4 Pursuit and Flight 81
5 Courtship and Copulation 91
6 Dominant and Subordinate Roles 100
III SPECIAL ASPECTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
A Publicity 111
B Predilections and Fantasies 124
C Comic Exploitation 135
D Philosophical Exploitation 153
E Women and Homosexuality 171
IV CHANGES
A The Dorians 183
B Myth and History 196
Postscript, 1989 204
List of Vases 207
Bibliography 228
Index of Greek Texts and Documents 235
Index of Greek Words 240
General Index 243
