Selected Speeches

by Demosthenes

'Even if everyone else succumbs to slavery, we must still fight for our freedom.' Admired by many in the ancient world as the greatest of the classic Athenian orators, Demosthenes was intimately involved in the political events of his day. As well as showing a master orator at work, his speeches are a prime source for the history of the period, when Athens was engaged in a doomed struggle against the rising power of Macedon under the brilliant father and son, Philip and Alexander. Demosthenes wrote for the courts, both for political trials in which he was involved and for other cases in which he acted as ghost-writer for plaintiff or defendant, and his lawcourt speeches give an unrivalled glimpse of the daily life of ancient Athens. He also played a central role in education in Greece and Rome from the Hellenistic period onward, and was imitated by the greatest of Roman orators, Cicero. About the For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Classics, Nonfiction, Politics, Ancient, Political Science

Library Binding

First published January 1, 323

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.

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well structured and argued speeches. Interesting as evidence of Greek public life.

[Belle Vilers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would never personally pick this up, BUT since Im studying Greek History I had too. Surprisingly, I liked it! Demosthenes demonstrates Athenian culture throughout his speeches, especially the idea of free speech and autonomy. Despite the fact that nobody listened to him about Philip, I think that it shows the practice of opposition, especially in a democratic society such as ancient Greece. I really love how he persuades the crowd by addressing to national pride and a sense of loyalty to freedom NOT tyranny. Anyone who wants to be a lawyer should probably read this.

[Zachary Rudolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When will you do your duty, Athenians? When? What are you waiting for? Some emergency, I suppose. But what about what’s happening right now? I always thought it was the mark of a free man to regard any situation that dishonoured him as an emergency. Or tell me, each of you: do you want to spend your lives asking one another for news? ... Better to die ten thousand deaths than to grovel to Philip!”

[Daniel Bennett]

One of the best books of select orations from antiquity. Demosthenes has a variable style which makes reading each speech individually very rewarding. I highly encourage classicists, rhetoricians, politicians, and political scientists to read this work, as well as other speeches given by Demosthenes and his contemporaries.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting glimpse into the political opposition of the inevitable Macedonian conquest.

Can see why Cicero mirrored his words as the Roman Republic began to crumble.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please please please listen to the Audio version by Ukemi instead of just reading these. No, I do not receive commission.

The Second Phillipic, On the Chersonese and the Third Phillipic I do not tire of.

There is one point during ‘On the Chersonese’ where he calls for unity, sympathy and kindness in the assembly, and calls for action directed towards the problems facing the Athenian citizens (in this case Phillip). This is in stark contrast to what was actually happening - Athenian citizens (according to Demosthenes) were directing all their energy into calumny of other assembly members and completely reluctant to put their energy/attention into solving the problems of the day….

Demosthenes had skin in the game.

He welcomed other people suggesting his proposals, if that meant the proposal was adopted (ie if he was the barrier to getting it adopted, not the policy itself).

He welcomed any better policies, should anyone have one.

I cannot remember which speech it is, but his attack on bribery is worth reading/hearing over and over again.

I would like to think that Socrates’ would have be pleased with Demosthenes’ work.

[Tony Foxhoven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved thr Phillipics but after that it dragged a bit for me