Isokrates: The Forensic Speeches (Nos. 16–21)

Description

The Athenian Isokrates (436–338 BC) is well-known for his long career as an educator and pundit; but originally he wrote 'forensic' speeches, i.e. for delivery in court. Six of them survive (five from Athens, one from Aigina), on issues including assault, fraud and inheritance. Here for the first time, after a General Introduction, they are presented and analysed in depth as a self-contained group. The Greek text and a facing English translation - both new - are augmented by commentaries which juxtapose this material with other surviving writers in the genre (and with Isocrates' own later output). In the process, too, the speeches' historical background, personnel, legal context, rhetorical strategies and all other relevant topics are explored. Frontmatter Contents Preface Conventions and Abbreviations General Introduction Preamble to the Text Private Prosecution of Euthynous for (?)Withholding a Deposit: Support-Speech by a Friend of the Plaintiff Nikias (No. 21) Introduction Text and Translation Commentary Special Plea to Block Kallimachos’ Private Prosecution for (?)Damages (No. 18) Introduction Text and Translation Commentary Private Prosecution of Lochites for Battery (No. 20) Introduction Text and Translation Commentary On the Horse-Team (Peri Tou Zeugous): Defence of Alkibiades the Younger Against Teisias’ Private Prosecution for (?)Ejectment (No. 16) Introduction Text and Translation Commentary Banking Speech (‘Trapezitikos’): Private Prosecution of Pasion for Withholding a (Bank–)Deposit (No. 17) Introduction Text and Translation Commentary Aiginetan Speech (‘Aiginetikos’): Claim to Inherit the Estate of Thrasylochos of Siphnos (No. 19) Introduction Text and Translation Commentary Appendix 1: The Late-fifth-century iustitium Appendix 2: The ‘Amnesty’ of Autumn 403 and Its Relevance to Isok. 16–21 Bibliography Passages Cited Greek (select) General