General Reference, Ancient History, Historical Reference

The Oxford Classical Dictionary

Name: The Oxford Classical Dictionary
Author: Simon Hornblower
ISBN: 9780199545568

by Simon Hornblower, Antony Spawforth, Esther Eidinow

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Overview

This revised edition has numerous corrections and updates throughout. It provides both scholars and non-specialists with a comprehensive source of reference including treatments of broad thematic subjects relevant to the modern reader, aiming to answer all questions about the classical world. It contains over 6,200 entries written by the very best of classical scholars from all over the globe. All areas, regions, and cultures are represented beyond the core areas of Greece and Rome on subjects relevant to the 21st century. Most entries give references to ancient sources, and all but the shortest entries are followed by full bibliographies written with the modern reader in mind, with all Latin and Greek words translated.

About the Author, Simon Hornblower

Simon Hornblower is Professor of Classics and Ancient History, University College London. He is the author and editor of many books (see books by the same author). Antony Spawforth is Professor of Ancient History, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He is also a well-known presenter of television programmes on archaeological and classical subjects in the BBC series 'Ancient Voices'. He has written and edited many books (see books by the same author).

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Editorials

Library Journal

This rich, varied, and highly reliable tome offers nearly 1600 pages of entries that detail important topics of the Classical world from agriculture to war, social history to science, biography to religion, and just about every other topic imaginable. Two focus areas are new to this edition: anthropology and reception, an area of study that examines how a Classical idea or concept affected various societies during different periods of history, depending on the context of the people reading the narrative, viewing the art, using the building, etc. Suitable for Classical scholars and history enthusiasts alike, this book lends itself well to answering quick reference questions about historical and cultural concepts and persons. Its one weakness is the absence of illustrations, which could have added to the richness of the entries. Overall, though, this magnificent work will form the cornerstone of any institutional or home-based Classical studies library. VERDICT One of the top books of its type; an indispensable reference for individuals and libraries alike.—Lauren de Bruin, The Alberta Lib., Edmonton, AB, Canada

Booknews

In 6,000 entries ranging from long articles to brief definitions, the third edition incorporates the insights and interests of a new generation of classical scholars. Readers will find coverage of women in the ancient world with entries on abortion, breastfeeding, and motherhood; sexuality including homosexuality, love and friendship, contraception and pornography; and Jews and early Christians. In addition, thematic articles reflect the current emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches to classical studies. These articles include anthropology and the classics, Marxism and classical antiquity, and literary theory and classical studies, while others examine issues of general interest such as race, class struggle, ethnicity, alcoholism, and suicide. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.