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The Greeks and Greek Civilization
For the first time in English, one of the greatest masterpieces of historical ‘Every civilized library must have a copy.’ CHRISTOPHER STACE, Telegraph’A wonderfully fat and vivid reminder of the splendour and miseries of Hellenism…enlightened and enlightening, a joy to read, delicious with anecdotes and a manifest labour of love, candour and openmindedness.’ FREDERIC RAPHAEL, Sunday TimesJacob Burckhardt (1818–97) was one of the greatest historians of classical and Renaissance art, architecture and culture. Though he died over a hundred years ago, his superb prose is as fresh and readable today as it was at the end of the nineteenth century. The Greeks and Greek Civilization describes, in glorious, elegant detail, the lives of the ancient Greeks and the origins of their culture.The book has never appeared before in English. Oswyn Murray, the book’s editor, and his translator, Sheila Stern, have been labouring for many years on the text and now, finally, have ready an authoritative version which, in Oswyn Murray’s words, ‘remains the best account of Greek civilization.’‘His changes in tone, the sudden plunge from the grandest to the most minor themes, the zooming in and out from the broadest panoramas to a particular carpet on a particular floor, the massiveness of his project and the lightness with which he accomplishes it, not to mention his vast knowledge, his clear style, his precision and his general surefootedness, are what makes Burckhardt great in a way that is not so different from the way Shakespeare is great or Rembrandt or Beethoven. He created vast spaces in history, heights and depths, enormous ranges of pitch and timbre, sunny clearings in the midst of impenetrable gloom…Thanks to the efforts of Oswyn Murray and Sheila Stern, a Great Blue Whale is swimming for the first time in English waters. Tiddlers everywhere should be pleased to accept the invitation to swim in its posthumous wake.’ JAMES DAVIDSON, London Review of Books
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1902
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 20, 2020
This is a very different type of history from what I've usually read. Instead of narrative history, it is cultural history. Before reading this book, one should have a decent sense of the outline and main players in Greek history. Burckhardt does not spend time explaining who did what when, defining terms, or giving biographies of various figures. Instead he presents a history of Greek attitudes and mores, with copious illustrations from all types of literature. His technique seems to have been to read every surviving scrap of written material from the ancient world, digest it, and synthesize it into trends and patterns. This is the ultimate example of presenting the forest instead of the trees.
I first heard of Burckhardt's history of the Greeks when reading Oswyn Murray's "Early Greece." Murray, writing in 1980, said that Burckhardt's history was the best ever written, but sadly not available in English. Fortunately, he helped to remedy that situation later on, resulting in this book. Burckhardt did not actually write this in book form—the work derives from his lecture series on Greek history. His nephew later compiled his lecture notes, along with notes and memories taken from students who heard him speak, into a 4-volume compendium. The book I read includes only parts of the 4-volume work. According to the introduction, Oswyn Murray selected the most relevant portions, leaving out parts that had become outdated due to more recent archaeological discoveries, etc. (An appendix shows exactly which portions are included, for those who are interested.) Sheila Stern then was responsible for the translation from German into English.
I have another English translation of Burckhardt's history, which includes a different selection of excerpts from the 4-volume magnum opus. Murray evidently found this translation and selection unsatisfactory. I will be curious to see how it differs, and to read more of Burckhardt's insights. Once I started reading "The Greeks and Greek Civilization" I grabbed up every book I could find by Burckhardt. He is most famous for his book (actually conceived as a book this time, not just a converted lecture series) on the Italian Renaissance. I am also looking forward to his book on the Age of Constantine.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Greeks—you will learn so much about what drove them. But as I mentioned above, you should know the basics before you read Burckhardt, or else it will be a flood of unfamiliar names, places, and concepts.
I first heard of Burckhardt's history of the Greeks when reading Oswyn Murray's "Early Greece." Murray, writing in 1980, said that Burckhardt's history was the best ever written, but sadly not available in English. Fortunately, he helped to remedy that situation later on, resulting in this book. Burckhardt did not actually write this in book form—the work derives from his lecture series on Greek history. His nephew later compiled his lecture notes, along with notes and memories taken from students who heard him speak, into a 4-volume compendium. The book I read includes only parts of the 4-volume work. According to the introduction, Oswyn Murray selected the most relevant portions, leaving out parts that had become outdated due to more recent archaeological discoveries, etc. (An appendix shows exactly which portions are included, for those who are interested.) Sheila Stern then was responsible for the translation from German into English.
I have another English translation of Burckhardt's history, which includes a different selection of excerpts from the 4-volume magnum opus. Murray evidently found this translation and selection unsatisfactory. I will be curious to see how it differs, and to read more of Burckhardt's insights. Once I started reading "The Greeks and Greek Civilization" I grabbed up every book I could find by Burckhardt. He is most famous for his book (actually conceived as a book this time, not just a converted lecture series) on the Italian Renaissance. I am also looking forward to his book on the Age of Constantine.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Greeks—you will learn so much about what drove them. But as I mentioned above, you should know the basics before you read Burckhardt, or else it will be a flood of unfamiliar names, places, and concepts.
May 11, 2024
Honestly not as amazing as I was expecting. Also for it's length I felt like it didn't cover much ground either. Maybe that's because he tries to prove and justify his new approach with many examples. Instead of collecting facts he tries to form a general impression (or as the post modernists would say a new interpretation) of what life was like in the Ancient Greece. Maybe I am so affected by this new approach it doesn't strike me as radical but he didn't seem to be jumping to any far fetched conclusions like many of those who followed in his footsteps although he does seem pretty casual about facts, at least in theory but not in practice, which is disconcerting.
It is interesting to see how similar Burckhardt and Nietzsche are on many things.
His basic premise is Ancient Greece was not the shining golden age we tend to fantasize about. The Polis was not a democratic utopia but an entity that demanded everything from it's citizens. The very concept of virtue was the arete which meant excellence dedicated to the benefit of the Polis. Which made the Polis a religion maybe even more significant then the mythos they lived in.
As I write this the mythos they had provided a story in which they lived and gave meaning to everything including the legendary founding of their Polis's. However the gods did not provide any incentive to act a certain way for obvious reasons but the Polis did compel a morality. Good was defined by what helped the Polis.
The Greeks like today tried to stay young forever. Life was hard and they were often eager to die. Best was not to be born and second best was to die young.
The author beaks Greek civilization into five stages, the Heroic age, Agonal age, 5th century, 4th century, and Hellenistic age.
The Heroic age: truth was praised but not practiced and the author thinks they may have been the greatest lies the world has ever seen. This is the time when the Greeks begin to step out of myth in stories such as the Iliad. There is much strength but they are very childish the heroes and may have a bad conscience but still do something. The agonal spirit begins to emerge here as the saying "be the best and outdo the rest" emerges. What defines the hero is their striving for the superhuman and an excess passion
The Agonal age: Characterized by religious ritual and gymnastic training. The Polis was ruled by an aristocracy or timocracy of the wealthiest and most capable. But there was an equality as the age was defined by the agon or athletic competition and anyone could compete in these competitions although it was usually the wealthiest who could really devote themselves to training. The competitions were brutal and could result in death but great distinction and fame was won as well. The ideal of the age was a well rounded non specialized soul that was excellent at everything but devoted to no single task, to be a whole man devoted to gymnastic, public life and noble culture was the goal. Like Achilles who was a master at building fires and other heroes who built their own ship. However to earn money from a single task even as an artist was considered banausic and looked down on. These competitions organized in games like the Olympic games was a unifying force for otherwise a very ununited Greece. Life was dominated by the agon. But this seeking fame in the opinion of others would ultimately undermine the agon.
The Fifth century: The agon decreased and became more social and demagoguery as power became more democratic. Free speech reigned unlike at any other time or place in history. The symposium was an elevation of wit and conversation that was unprecedented. However it had it's dark side as it could be scathingly brutal and sycophancy was very common but less so then it became in later stages and language began to deteriorate. The display of wealth also became risky less a sycophant denounce you and sue you for your wealth. People since they did not want to work but to devote themselves to a pleasure of some kind had to live frugally. Oratory became supreme and would stay that way even into the Hellenic age. With the agon becoming social an intense individualistic and subjective self promotion became the rule as the personality strove for personal fame at all costs. Self promotion became a science. This resulted in demagoguery abusing the law and people realizing custom was better because it could not be warped.
The author believed no other religion was adapted to foster the arrogance and self-righteousness and omnipotence of Zoroastrianism.
Fourth Century: The Peloponnesian war destroyed Greece. Everyone became self seeking the polis was no longer a unifying entity even locally as people were wiling to do anything to promote themselves. Public life became so brutal all decent people abandoned it and people began to retreat into philosophy which replaced myth as the gods disappeared after the war. People could no longer handle the truth and any criticism was seen as being contemptuous and throwing it back in peoples faces. Sparta and Athens both perished due to becoming powerful much like the US. With destroying the oligarchs and anyone who might have been tempted to become one it also abolished all wealth and culture as well as the intellectual. He says men lacked such inner peace they couldn't have kept the peace if they wanted to. The state became run by the most corrupt and bribe taking and stealing from the state became common and the state generated money through confiscating private property. Athens clung to those who deceived her and did not punish those who did evil as long as pleasures were taken care of. Athens also lost its power but became a cultural center.
Hellenistic Age: The celebrities of the age were the powerful successors to Alexander, the philosopher and the witty courtesan. Learning took on a collecting and classifying approach as it became ok to become a specialist. Was was almost completely dead and replaced by religion.
It is interesting to see how similar Burckhardt and Nietzsche are on many things.
His basic premise is Ancient Greece was not the shining golden age we tend to fantasize about. The Polis was not a democratic utopia but an entity that demanded everything from it's citizens. The very concept of virtue was the arete which meant excellence dedicated to the benefit of the Polis. Which made the Polis a religion maybe even more significant then the mythos they lived in.
As I write this the mythos they had provided a story in which they lived and gave meaning to everything including the legendary founding of their Polis's. However the gods did not provide any incentive to act a certain way for obvious reasons but the Polis did compel a morality. Good was defined by what helped the Polis.
The Greeks like today tried to stay young forever. Life was hard and they were often eager to die. Best was not to be born and second best was to die young.
The author beaks Greek civilization into five stages, the Heroic age, Agonal age, 5th century, 4th century, and Hellenistic age.
The Heroic age: truth was praised but not practiced and the author thinks they may have been the greatest lies the world has ever seen. This is the time when the Greeks begin to step out of myth in stories such as the Iliad. There is much strength but they are very childish the heroes and may have a bad conscience but still do something. The agonal spirit begins to emerge here as the saying "be the best and outdo the rest" emerges. What defines the hero is their striving for the superhuman and an excess passion
The Agonal age: Characterized by religious ritual and gymnastic training. The Polis was ruled by an aristocracy or timocracy of the wealthiest and most capable. But there was an equality as the age was defined by the agon or athletic competition and anyone could compete in these competitions although it was usually the wealthiest who could really devote themselves to training. The competitions were brutal and could result in death but great distinction and fame was won as well. The ideal of the age was a well rounded non specialized soul that was excellent at everything but devoted to no single task, to be a whole man devoted to gymnastic, public life and noble culture was the goal. Like Achilles who was a master at building fires and other heroes who built their own ship. However to earn money from a single task even as an artist was considered banausic and looked down on. These competitions organized in games like the Olympic games was a unifying force for otherwise a very ununited Greece. Life was dominated by the agon. But this seeking fame in the opinion of others would ultimately undermine the agon.
The Fifth century: The agon decreased and became more social and demagoguery as power became more democratic. Free speech reigned unlike at any other time or place in history. The symposium was an elevation of wit and conversation that was unprecedented. However it had it's dark side as it could be scathingly brutal and sycophancy was very common but less so then it became in later stages and language began to deteriorate. The display of wealth also became risky less a sycophant denounce you and sue you for your wealth. People since they did not want to work but to devote themselves to a pleasure of some kind had to live frugally. Oratory became supreme and would stay that way even into the Hellenic age. With the agon becoming social an intense individualistic and subjective self promotion became the rule as the personality strove for personal fame at all costs. Self promotion became a science. This resulted in demagoguery abusing the law and people realizing custom was better because it could not be warped.
The author believed no other religion was adapted to foster the arrogance and self-righteousness and omnipotence of Zoroastrianism.
Fourth Century: The Peloponnesian war destroyed Greece. Everyone became self seeking the polis was no longer a unifying entity even locally as people were wiling to do anything to promote themselves. Public life became so brutal all decent people abandoned it and people began to retreat into philosophy which replaced myth as the gods disappeared after the war. People could no longer handle the truth and any criticism was seen as being contemptuous and throwing it back in peoples faces. Sparta and Athens both perished due to becoming powerful much like the US. With destroying the oligarchs and anyone who might have been tempted to become one it also abolished all wealth and culture as well as the intellectual. He says men lacked such inner peace they couldn't have kept the peace if they wanted to. The state became run by the most corrupt and bribe taking and stealing from the state became common and the state generated money through confiscating private property. Athens clung to those who deceived her and did not punish those who did evil as long as pleasures were taken care of. Athens also lost its power but became a cultural center.
Hellenistic Age: The celebrities of the age were the powerful successors to Alexander, the philosopher and the witty courtesan. Learning took on a collecting and classifying approach as it became ok to become a specialist. Was was almost completely dead and replaced by religion.
February 7, 2021
What [ Greeks ] did and suffered, they appear to have done and suffered freely, and thus differently from all earlier races.
They seem original, spontaneous and conscious, in circumstances in which all others were ruled by a more or less mindless necessity.
We see with their eyes and use their phrases when we speak.
Yet, of all civilized peoples, it was the Greeks who inflicted the bitterest and most deeply felt suffering upon themselves.
It is for this reason that posterity needs to study the Greeks; if we ignore them we are simply accepting our own decline.
They seem original, spontaneous and conscious, in circumstances in which all others were ruled by a more or less mindless necessity.
We see with their eyes and use their phrases when we speak.
Yet, of all civilized peoples, it was the Greeks who inflicted the bitterest and most deeply felt suffering upon themselves.
It is for this reason that posterity needs to study the Greeks; if we ignore them we are simply accepting our own decline.
November 13, 2007
it's pretty heavy but really informative
November 2, 2021
review temporarily removed due to extenuating factors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
kral amk kral beton yetmez heykeline harbi diyorum on ton taşak var bu adamda
March 25, 2023
"The Greeks and Greek Civilization" is a book written by Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, first published in 1855. The book provides an overview of the Greek civilization, covering topics such as history, religion, philosophy, art, and literature.
Burckhardt's work is considered a classic in the field of ancient Greek history and is known for its detailed and nuanced analysis of the Greek culture. He argues that the Greeks had a unique sense of individuality, which was expressed in their art, philosophy, and political institutions. He also emphasizes the importance of religion in Greek life, particularly the role of the gods and the rituals associated with them.
Burckhardt's writing style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and depth of insight. His book has been praised for its careful attention to detail, its comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, and its lively and engaging prose. It remains a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike who are interested in the history and culture of ancient Greece.
GPT
Burckhardt's work is considered a classic in the field of ancient Greek history and is known for its detailed and nuanced analysis of the Greek culture. He argues that the Greeks had a unique sense of individuality, which was expressed in their art, philosophy, and political institutions. He also emphasizes the importance of religion in Greek life, particularly the role of the gods and the rituals associated with them.
Burckhardt's writing style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and depth of insight. His book has been praised for its careful attention to detail, its comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, and its lively and engaging prose. It remains a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike who are interested in the history and culture of ancient Greece.
GPT
August 31, 2023
Not really an introductory text, though it claims to be. Probably best to be familiar with popular ancient Greek literature before jumping into this guy.
March 14, 2024
Be prepared for extensive discussion of death, suicide, and infanticide, as well as the idea that old age is contemptible when learning about "The General Characteristics of Greek Life."
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews