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Xenophon of Athens

A Socratic on Sparta

Noreen Humble author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:16th Dec '21

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Xenophon of Athens cover

Challenges the long-held view that Xenophon is pro-Spartan, arguing that his stance is, rather, critical and philosophical.

Re-evaluates Xenophon's supposed admiration of Sparta and argues that his work, the Lacedaimoniôn Politeia, is a critical and philosophical examination of Spartan socio-cultural practices driven by his Socratic ideas. Also demonstrates remarkable points of convergence with his fellow Socratic Plato, as well as connections with Isocrates too.Xenophon of Athens (c. 430–354 BCE) has long been considered an uncritical admirer of Sparta who hero-worships the Spartan King Agesilaus and eulogises Spartan practices in his Lacedaimoniôn Politeia. By examining his own self-descriptions - especially where he portrays himself as conversing with Socrates and falling short in his appreciation of Socrates' advice - this book finds in Xenophon's overall writing project a Socratic response to his exile and situates his writings about Sparta within this framework. It presents a detailed reading of the Lacedaimoniôn Politeia as a critical and philosophical examination of Spartan socio-cultural practices. Evidence from his own Hellenica, Anabasis and Agesilaus is shown to confirm Xenophon's analysis of the weaknesses in the Spartan system, and that he is not enamoured of Agesilaus. Finally, a comparison with contemporary Athenian responses to Sparta, shows remarkable points of convergence with his fellow Socratic Plato, as well as connections with Isocrates too.

'With this thoroughly researched, well-documented, and generally well-reasoned project, centered upon a close reading of the Constitution of the Lacedaemonians, Humble makes a compelling case for her main thesis and a valuable contribution to Xenophon scholarship.' Lorraine Pangle, Polis, The Journal for Ancient Greek and Roman Political Thought

ISBN: 9781108479974

Dimensions: 236mm x 157mm x 27mm

Weight: 723g

380 pages