Sexuality in Greek and Roman Culture

"Skinner's revised and expanded second edition increases the chief pleasure of her first-to see a true scholar at work, formidably informed. Her scope of erudition embraces all manner of ancient testimony, from Greek romances to gravestones."-Micaela Janan, Duke University "Thoroughly revised and with new sections and illustrations in each chapter, this book remains a landmark study of a complex yet fascinating subject. Written by a global authority in the field, it delivers rigorous, up-to-date scholarship in a style appealing to the non-specialist reader."-Konstantinos P. Nikoloutsos, Saint Joseph's University "A breathtaking synthesis of cutting edge research, this superb second edition of Skinner's magisterial overview of ancient sexuality combines sophistication with accessibility and remains an indispensable resource for students, teachers, and scholars."-Yurie Hong, Gustavus Adolphus College This second edition of the authoritative guide to gender and sexuality in ancient Greece and Rome has been fully revised, augmented, and enhanced for greater student utility. New features include a separate glossary, focused discussion prompts, and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. The text remains the leading survey of a hugely diverse field that encompasses everything from outrageous bawdry to idealized pederasty. Engaging, accessible, and laced with humor, the narrative begins with the Homeric era and now extends to the advent of Christianity as it eclipsed paganism across Europe and recalibrated attitudes to sexuality and gender. Drawing on literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence, as well as on scholarly sources, the new edition introduces a number of additional topics, including fuller theoretical analysis of key concepts such as sex, gender, and sexuality; cultural and religious exchanges between Greeks and Egyptians; the mystique of Alexander the Great; and an entire chapter on the living conditions of non-elite Romans. The text combines fine cultural detail with a breadth of perspective, prompting readers to contrast ancient norms of sexual behavior with those of today, and contextualizes the longstanding academic disputes over ancient sexuality. Strikingly relevant to our own understanding of the interplay between social institutions and personal sexual conduct, this new edition, like its forerunner, will be greatly valued by general and academic readers alike.