Athenians, it seems, avoided overt displays of wealth for fear of taxation, showing off instead at private dinner parties (symposiums) or in their choice of ruinously expensive courtesans (hetaera). This book not only looks at their attitudes to drink, addiction to fish and fluid system of inherited wealth but it also throws light on how these concealed yet 'consuming passions' were to affect the politics and the ultimate downfall of Athens itself. Fascinating and enjoyable.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 15 October 2002 ) |
