About the book
The controversial thesis at the center of this study is that, despite the importance of slavery in Athenian society, the most distinctive characteristic of Athenian democracy was the unprecedented prominence it gave to free labor. Wood argues that the emergence of the peasant as citizen, juridically and politically independent, accounts for much that is remarkable in Athenian political institutions and culture.
From a survey of historical writings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the focus of which distorted later debates, Wood goes on to take issue with influential arguments, such as those of G.E.M. de Ste Croix, about the importance of slavery in agricultural production. The social, political and cultural influence of the peasant-citizen is explored in a way which questions some of the most cherished conventions of Marxist and non-Marxist historiography.
Editions of Peasant-Citizen and Slave
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781784781026
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780860919117
- EBook
- ISBN 9781784781972
Read an Excerpt
The controversial thesis at the center of this study is that, despite the importance of slavery in Athenian society, the most distinctive characteristic of Athenian democracy was the unprecedented prominence it gave to free labor. Wood argues that the emergence of the peasant as citizen, juridically and politically independent, accounts for much that is remarkable in Athenian political institutions and culture.
From a survey of historical writings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the focus of which distorted later debates, Wood goes on to take issue with influential arguments, such as those of G.E.M. de Ste Croix, about the importance of slavery in agricultural production. The social, political and cultural influence of the peasant-citizen is explored in a way which questions some of the most cherished conventions of Marxist and non-Marxist historiography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peasant-Citizen and Slave about?
The controversial thesis at the center of this study is that, despite the importance of slavery in Athenian society, the most distinctive characteristic of Athenian democracy was the unprecedented prominence it gave to free labor. Wood argues that the emergence of the peasant as citizen, juridically and politically independent, accounts for much that is remarkable in Athenian political institutions and culture.
From a survey of historical writings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the focus of which distorted later debates, Wood goes on to take issue with influential arguments, such as those of G.E.M. de Ste Croix, about the importance of slavery in agricultural production. The social, political and cultural influence of the peasant-citizen is explored in a way which questions some of the most cherished conventions of Marxist and non-Marxist historiography.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Peasant-Citizen and Slave?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political control and freedoms > Human rights, civil rights
Where can I read a sample of Peasant-Citizen and Slave?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781784781026
Is Peasant-Citizen and Slave part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Verso World History Series
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Peasant-Citizen and Slave?
Ellen Meiksins Wood
Who is the Publisher of the book Peasant-Citizen and Slave?
Verso Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Peasant-Citizen and Slave is available as paperback(ISBN 9781784781026) and paperback(ISBN 9780860919117) and ebook(ISBN 9781784781972)
Where can I buy Peasant-Citizen and Slave online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Peasant-Citizen and Slave?