Table of Contents

* Acknowledgments * List of Illustrations * Introduction * Poetic Heroes * Local Heroes * Warriors and Patriots * Athletes, Poets, Philosophers * Private Heroes * Greek Heroes in a Roman World * Antinoos * Heroes and Saints * Appendix: Living Heroes? * Notes * Index

Promotional Information

This is an outstandingly interesting and important work about ancient Greek 'heroes,' undoubtedly a fresh and original contribution to the literature. It is beautifully written--a real pleasure to read. I devoured it at one sitting. -- Simon Hornblower, University College of London Once again, Christopher Jones brilliantly illuminates the intricate complicities between religion and politics in the ancient world. With his deft scholarship and graceful style, Jones weaves together archaeology, history, poetry and philosophy, bringing to life a world in which outstanding service, valor, or talent could be rewarded, if not with full immortality, then at least with everlasting honors. -- Glenn Most, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa/University of Chicago

About the Author

Christopher P. Jones is George Martin Lane Professor of the Classics and of History, Emeritus, at Harvard University.

Reviews

This is an outstandingly interesting and important work about ancient Greek 'heroes,' undoubtedly a fresh and original contribution to the literature. It is beautifully written--a real pleasure to read. I devoured it at one sitting.
*Simon Hornblower, University College of London*

Once again, Christopher Jones brilliantly illuminates the intricate complicities between religion and politics in the ancient world. With his deft scholarship and graceful style, Jones weaves together archaeology, history, poetry and philosophy, bringing to life a world in which outstanding service, valor, or talent could be rewarded, if not with full immortality, then at least with everlasting honors.
*Glenn Most, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa/University of Chicago*

It's an excellent book.
*New York Review of Books online*

The quiet accumulation of data in this short but massively documented study sounds out many registers of ancient heroism--from Odysseus' uncanny libation of blood into a trench for the thirsty ghosts, through the domestic dignity of Attic reliefs, and eventually to Roman flights of fancy about the Elysian Fields, now reassuringly open to all the blessed dead.
*Times Literary Supplement*