{"product_id":"spartan-reflections-9780520231238","title":"Spartan Reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe complex and distinctive Spartan tradition has been a prominent theme in western thinking from antiquity to today. Sparta is also one of a handful of ancient Greek cities with enough existing evidence for historians to create a realistic social portrait. Over the past quarter-century Paul Cartledge has established himself as the leading international authority on ancient Sparta. Spartan Reflections is a superb collection of his essaystwo are published here for the first time  and the rest  often difficult to locate  have been revised and updated for publication in book form. Giving us a real sense of what Sparta was like as a culture  these essays constitute a fascinating introduction to and overview of ancient Spartan history and its reception. This collection  unique in breadth and scope  will be an essential source for anyone interested in this idiosyncratic society.  Cartledge brings us up to date on what is known about the most important and intriguing aspects of Sparta: its military development  questions of gender and sexuality  and the difficult problem of artistic and literary aspects of Sparta. We learn about the institutions that distinguished Sparta from other city-states  including its religion  education process  degree of literacy  secret service  unusual system of servitude  and institutionalized pederasty. Throughout  Cartledge also makes important comparisons with Athens  helping us grasp what is really striking about Sparta.  Cartledges writing is clear and engaging as he draws from myriad sources both ancient and modern  as well as from political and cultural theory. These essays  together with their magisterial bibliography  demonstrate his remarkable scholarly and intellectual range. Spartan Reflections will be an important source on the most significant issues in Sparta scholarship today as well as a fascinating look at this culture for general readers.  A Selection of the History Book Club\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45651884081205,"sku":"ByrdShop_0520231236","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780520231238.jpg?v=1781843750","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/spartan-reflections-9780520231238","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}