The Athenian Institution of the Khoregia (Paperback)

Peter Wilson

ISBN 10: 0521542138 / ISBN 13: 9780521542135

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003

About this Item

Paperback. This book is the first major study of the means by which the classical Athenians organised and funded their many festival choruses. It explores the mechanics of the institution by which a minority of rich citizens were required to arrange and pay for a festival chorus, including choruses for tragic and comic drama, and situates this duty within the range of occasions for elite leadership in Athens' elaborate festival calendar. Peter Wilson goes on to show the importance of the khoregia to our understanding of the workings of Athenian democracy itself, and to demonstrate the degree to which the institution was itself a highly performative occasion, an opportunity for elite display in the democratic environment. The post-classical history of the khoregia and its appearance in a wide range of other Greek communities are also examined. A study of a central cultural institution of classical Athens. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780521542135

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Athenian Institution of the Khoregia (...

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Publication Date: 2003

Binding: Paperback

Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis:

This book is the first major study of the means by which the classical Athenians organised and funded their many festival choruses. It explores the mechanics of the institution by which a minority of rich citizens were required to arrange and pay for a festival chorus, including choruses for tragic and comic drama, and situates this duty within the range of occasions for elite leadership in Athens' elaborate festival calendar. Peter Wilson goes on to show the importance of the khoregia to our understanding of the workings of Athenian democracy itself, and to demonstrate the degree to which the institution was itself a highly performative occasion, an opportunity for elite display in the democratic environment. The post-classical history of the khoregia and its appearance in a wide range of other Greek communities are also examined.

Review:

''This is the first major modern account of the Athenian khoregia ... The author has reflected deeply on his subject and has given us a stimulating book.' Journal of Hellenic Studies