Book Description

Solon of Athens was an historical figure of great significance, quoted by some 115 classical and post-classical authors. Yet in terms of recent scholarship, no one since Woodhouse (1938) has written exclusively on Solon, and not since Linforth (1919) has there been a commentary on each individual fragment of Solon's poetry. This book fills a significant gap in Greek scholarship in terms of historical analysis, political development, and the beginnings of philosophy in the Greek archaic period. The book addresses the historical, social, and political contexts within which Solon of Athens instituted wide-ranging reforms to the Athenian constitution (594-93 BCE). It also looks at the impact of those reforms on the growing political self-awareness of the archaic Athenians themselves and the developing ethical and political philosophies that drove reform. The book provides a detailed and comprehensive commentary on each of the 43 extant fragments of Solon's poetry. In the light of modern scholarship, the book sets out the story of Solon's life and examines the nature of the entrenched and threatening political and economic crisis which led to his appointment to high political office. It discusses the manner and consequences of Solon's appointment, identifying both the underlying causes of the crisis and the general outlines of the reform measures adopted by Solon. As well, the book explores both the philosophy and the concept of 'justice' that appears to have underpinned Solon's reform agenda.