Perikles and his Circle

Pericles, the creator of the reputation of classical Athens, was an enigmatic figure. This book traces his development from a somewhat hesitant, though left-leaning politician, to a mature statesman fully committed to expanding Athens' maritime empire and using the material benefits of that empire to improve the ordinary lives of Athenian citizens. The author depicts Pericles' actions and interactions with a large and varied circle of friends, acquaintances and political adversaries, and shows how his circle of friends influenced his development as a leader. The book examines a variety of sources and documentation on Pericles to provide an account of his life and achievements.

"Every Greek historian will need to consult this book, shelving it next to Philip Stadter's Commentary on Plutarch's Perikles (1989)." Stewart Flory, American Historical Review

Anthony J. Podlecki was educated at Holy Cross College, Oxford University and the University of Toronto. He taught at Northwestern University and Pennsylvania State University before joining the staff of the University of British Columbia in 1975. He has translated various Greek tragedies and has written several books on Athenian history.