This collection of essays represents Vogt's personal contribution to the collective enterprise; the English edition is translated from the second German edition of 1972; which included three additional papers and a supplement bringing his earlier work up to date. The distinctive features of Vogt's approach to ancient slavery are his social awareness and sympathetic commitment; and his refusal either to ignore or be dominated by the dogmas of the left and the structures of sociology. His systematic investigation of ancient slave wars; which is the centre of this collection; is a reasoned refutation of more extreme Marxist interpretations; and a brilliant demonstration that a pragmatic approach to the analysis of a general phenomenon can lead to conclusions as far-reaching as any a priori system. Other outstanding essays investigate with subtlety and insight the position of slaves in literature and in utopian theory; the concept of the slave of God in early Christian thought; and the extent to which rigid distinctions between slave and free were eroded by the daily contact between individuals in different social roles; and by their inability to forget that both masters and slaves were human beings; with personal loyalties and friendships. The volume ends with two essays on the interrelationship between ancient and modern attitudes to slavery since the Renaissance.
#1360528 in Books Harvard University Press 2007-04-15 2007-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.32 x 1.16 x 6.52l; 1.39 #File Name: 0674024214336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy AmandaIt looks like a new book; I found nothing wrong with the quality.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A must read for every Coach and Local PastorBy A CustomerThe author does outstanding research on the history of sports and how it has been interwoven within the structure of religion. I read every word. As a retired minister and pastoral counselor I was astonished as to how much sports and religion are competitive yet are parallel and both are interwoven into our modern faith and belief systems. I have a son who is an Offensive Coordinator in a local high school and I give it to him for his birthday. It's a great gift. I recommended it last Christmas to a friend to give to their father who enjoys sports and has everything. I also recommended it to my attorney to give to his law partner.A great book thank you "Billy"0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcellenceBy George ShriverThis is by far the best book on this subject available. No other volume even comes close to the excellence found here.
