Studies on Greek Law, Oratory and Comedy

This collection showcases Douglas M. MacDowell's influential essays, making significant contributions to the study of law, oratory, and comedy accessible to scholars and students alike.

Douglas M. MacDowell (1931–2010) was a distinguished scholar whose work has had a lasting impact on classical scholarship. The articles compiled in Studies on Greek Law, Oratory and Comedy cover a wide range of topics, including Athenian law, legal procedures, Old Comedy, and the interplay between comedy and law. Published between 1959 and 2010, these essays exemplify MacDowell's hallmark qualities of precision, balanced judgment, and deep learning. They present rational and sober analyses of complex and often controversial issues, making them valuable resources for anyone interested in these fields.

Many of the essays included in Studies on Greek Law, Oratory and Comedy have been difficult to access due to their original publication in limited-run celebratory volumes or collections that are now out of print. This collection aims to make MacDowell's influential works available to a wider scholarly audience, facilitating their use in classroom settings for courses in Classics, ancient history, legal history, and theatre studies. The accessibility of these articles will undoubtedly enhance the study of these subjects.

Additionally, the volume features a biography of MacDowell penned by Christopher Carey, which draws on the insights of his closest colleagues and friends. This biography, presented to the British Academy, adds a personal touch to the collection, shedding light on the life and contributions of a remarkable scholar.