This pamphlet outlines the development and operation of Athenian democracy to the end of the fifth century BC. Separate sections examine the prelude to democracy, the emergence of a democratic system, and the way this system worked in practice. A final section focuses on the
John Thorley is a lecturer in history at Lancaster University and St Martin's College, Lancaster. Formerly head of Trinity School, Carlisle, and the Principal of Charlotte Mason College, Ambleside, until his retirement in 1994.