New literary sources, new epigraphic material, and new interpretations of the old make this book by Ms. Mosse a landmark for research on Greek history in classical times.

Using a new method of analysis, with the comparison of texts, events, institutions, and ideologies, and skillfully utilizing quantitative measurements, the distinguished Professor from Sorbonne manages to compose an unparalleled overview of the Athenian Democracy during its most critical yet fertile period for ideas.

Moreover, it is not only the events and institutions that are now presented under a new, more accurate and objective light, such as the major issue of slavery and forced labor. The texts and ideas also acquire a new, more distinct significance within the renewed historical context.

A characteristic example, among many others, is the interpretation of Aristotelian positions on the problem of slavery or the critique of mass democracy.

The swift exhaustion of the first edition of such a voluminous work within an exceptionally short period is evidence of the particular interest with which the international audience welcomed Ms. Mosse's book.

No historical or political research on ancient Athens is now possible without confronting this impressive monument of Science.