Select Private Orations

by Demosthenes

Four speeches are primary illustrations of an oratorical tradition that manipulated facts and distorted truths for the Athenian masses. They have also been chosen for their value as documents reflecting Athenian law, commerce and private life. An English introduction provides a survey of the Athenian legal system and the speechwriter's trade.

286 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1972

About the author

Demosthenes was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. Demosthenes learned rhetoric by studying the speeches of previous great orators. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20, in which he argued effectively to gain from his guardians what was left of his inheritance. For a time, Demosthenes made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.