The Local Scripts of Archaic Greece: A Study of the Origin of the Greek Alphabet and its Development from the Eighth to the Fifth Centuries BC (Oxford Monographs on Classical Archaeology) - Hardcover

Jeffery, L. H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198140614 ISBN 13: 9780198140610

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 1990

Synopsis

This is the only modern work to survey in depth the inscriptions of Greece before 403 BC. Since its first publication in 1961, the body of material available for study has increased substantially, and the size of the Supplement in this reissue is a clear measure of that growth. The new pages are partly the work of Anne Jeffery, and partly that of her pupil Alan Johnston.

The original text attempts to reconstruct, for Greek inscriptions from the eighth to the fifth centuries BC, a chronological system (divided tentatively into twenty-five year periods) similar to those already generally accepted for Greek sculpture and pottery. It includes surveys of the origin and dissemination of the alphabet among the city states, the development and content of early inscriptions, and the techniques of the craftsmen, followed by a discussion of the inscriptions of each state. Each section contains a list, with bibliography, of all significant inscriptions, while numerous photographs and facsimiles of the inscriptions provide an important instrument of control. The approach is primarily archaeological, but account is taken also of the many historical, philological, and artistic problems involved.

`This is a monumental, an altogether superb, book ... It is a book worth waiting for, a major work for reading and for reference, in its field incomparable, and a contribution to the history of our civilization.' Classical World

About this title

Review

`In short the book is a great credit not only to the author but to the sponsors and to the Press who have made the publication possible.' American Journal of Archaeology

`This is a work of the greatest importance for all students of Greek literature, history, and art.' T. B. L. Webster, Antiquaries Journal

`...(this) will remain the textbook on epichoric Greek inscritions for generations of young epigraphists to come.' H. W. Pleket, Memnosyne

`This timely republication deserves the gratitude of all who have over the years profited from "Anne" Jeffery's work, and ensures its continuing influence and utility.' Times Literary Supplement

About the Author

Graham Jeffery was arts research and development manager at Newham Sixth Form College, and is currently seconded to the University of East London as Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Innovation Studies.

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198140614
• ISBN 13: 9780198140610
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 502