Greek Homosexuality: Updated and with a new Postscript » (1st Edition)

To what extent and in what ways was homosexuality approved by the ancient Greeks? An eminent classicist examines the evidence--vase paintings, archaic and classical poetry, the dialogues of Plato, speeches in the law courts, the comedies of Aristophanes--and reaches provocative conclusions. A discussion of female homosexuality is included.

Jeffrey Henderson - Classical World

An unprejudiced description of the homosexual phenomena depicted by classical Greek artists and writers has long been an urgent desideratum. Dover's book fills this need successfully. In its collection and interpretation of the ancient evidence it will be indispensable for broader and/or more specialized explorations of the sexual aspects of Greek art and society.

Preface

Abbreviations

PART I: PROBLEMS, SOURCES AND METHODS

1. Scale

2. The Visual Arts

3. Literature

4. Vocabulary

PART II: THE PROSECUTION OF TIMARKHOS

A. The Law

1. Male Prostitution

2. Penalties

3. Status

4. Hubris

B. Manifestations of Eros

1. Defences against a Charge of Prostitution

2. Eros and Desire

3. Eros and Love

4. Following and Fighting

5. Homosexual Poetry

C. Nature and Society

1. Natural Impulse

2. Male and Female Physique

3. Masculine and Feminine Styles

4. Pursuit and Flight

5. Courtship and Copulation

6. Dominant and Subordinate Roles

PART III: SPECIAL ASPECTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

A. Publicity

B. Predilections and Fantasies

C. Comic Exploitation

D. Philosophical Exploitation

E. Women and Homosexuality

PART IV: CHANGES

A. The Dorians

B. Myth and History

Postscript, 1989

List of Vases

Bibliography

Index of Greek Texts and Documents

Index of Greek Words

General Index