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Athens: City of Wisdom Paperback – January 10, 2023

by Bruce Clark (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 113 ratings
Editors' pick Best History
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A sweeping narrative history of Athens, telling the three-thousand-year story of the birthplace of Western civilization.

Even on the most smog-bound of days, the rocky outcrop on which the Acropolis stands is visible above the sprawling roof-scape of the Greek capital. Athens presents one of the most recognizable and symbolically potent panoramas of any of the world's cities: the pillars and pediments of the Parthenon – the temple dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom, that crowns the Acropolis – dominate a city whose name is synonymous for many with civilization itself.

It is hard not to feel the hand of history in such a place. The birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy and theatre, Athens' importance cannot be understated. Few cities have enjoyed a history so rich in artistic creativity and the making of ideas; or one so curiously patterned by alternating cycles of turbulence and quietness.

From the legal reforms of the lawmaker Solon in the sixth century BCE to the travails of early twenty-first century Athens, as it struggles with the legacy of the economic crises of the 2000s, Clark brings the city's history to life, evoking its cultural richness and political resonance in this epic, kaleidoscopic history.
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  1. Print length
    624 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pegasus Books
  4. Publication date
    January 10, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    5.43 x 1.81 x 8.19 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1639363645
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1639363643
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“From Pheidias’s Parthenon to Calatrava’s OlympicStadium,BruceClarkhaspulled off a stunning retrospect and beautifully written overview of one of the world’s greatest cities. Athenophiles of all ages and stripes will find in Athens a cornucopia of city-related treasures.” -- Paul Cartledge, author of Thebes and Thermopylae

“A magnificent tour de force, drawing on the testimony of eye-witnesses across a span of 2,500 years. Bruce Clark brings an eye for the quirky, human detail, a pithy turn of phrase, and an affection for his subject honed over many decades.” -- Roderick Beaton, author of Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation and The Greeks: A Global History

“A remarkable achievement. Courageously grand in scale yet sensitive to the details that make Athens’s extraordinary history come alive, right up to the present day.” -- Sofka Zinovieff, author of Putney: A Novel

“Athens was, and still is, a city that drives its own narrative. This book is nothing short of a triumph, and Clark’s delight in Athens paired with researched historical accuracy make his work shine.” ― Booklist (starred)

"In a sweeping history covering thousands of years, Bruce Clark combines academic rigour with a personal passion for Greece. Given such a sweep of history, it’s a story that brings with it a multitude of moments — highs and lows; glorious triumphs and bitter defeats — which the author presents in 21 detail-packed chapters, each focusing on a critical moment in the history of Athens. Clark’s affection for a city that he still sees as a symbol of democracy is unmissable and highly informative. This native Athenian reviewer certainly came away with many fresh insights into her home town." -- Eleni Varvitsioti ― Financial Times

About the Author

Bruce Clark writes on European Affairs and Religion for The Economist. He has been diplomatic correspondent of the Financial Times, Moscow correspondent for The Times, and Athens correspondent for Reuters. This is his first book to be published in America. Bruce lives in Britain.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pegasus Books (January 10, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 624 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639363645
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639363643
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.27 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.43 x 1.81 x 8.19 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 113 ratings

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Bruce Clark

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
113 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Russell E. Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a book that appeals to both beginners and experts: beginners, because it is an introduction; experts, because it is a well-written text. The readership is broad, and so is the benefit from spending time on its pages.
3 people found this helpful
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ΑΛΒΕΡΤΟΣ ΡΑΦΑΗΛ
4.0 out of 5 stars Greeks
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2022
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It was a very good book
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gmckae
5.0 out of 5 stars Playbook for the future
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2022
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I like how the author relates to present day events. The past becomes the playbook for the future
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LIEDE-MARIE HAITSMA
5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Athens
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2022
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A wonderful book on ancient Athens. Makes for great reading during the day.
4 people found this helpful
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Kitty Lynn
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written and educational
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2022
This is such a wonderful read. Bruce Clark has a light touch, with little funny asides and idiosyncratic delights that make reading an otherwise dense history very enjoyable. The book is meticulously researched and brings together historical and archaeological sources. I learned something new in every paragraph.
One person found this helpful
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A M
3.0 out of 5 stars A History of wars and politics rather than art and philosophy
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2022
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Athens is known for the ideas and arts developed in this city in the old times. But this book mainly discusses wars and politics.
One person found this helpful
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Agathon Zante
1.0 out of 5 stars Christian Scholars Should Not Write Ancient History, And This Is Why
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2023
Many modern history books on Greece are written by modern historians and monotheists who, frankly, have no idea what they're talking about when it comes to religion. I didn't even get two pages into this book before I found the first falsehood. The author says that the ancient Athenians were not concerned with Divinity or the guidance of their Gods, but rather only with themselves. That's completely untrue. The ancient Greeks were highly religious people. They were devoted to their Gods and did nothing without them. That's why they had no word for religion. Life and religion were the same. The author also makes no mention of the forced conversions to Christianity that happened to most of the Greek world, but makes it seem like it was peaceful. Also completely untrue. In my view, this is just another book of monotheistic make believe history.
7 people found this helpful
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SR
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, readable, entertaining, and wonderful book.
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2022
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An excellent narrative detailing a living and fascinating city. Bruce Clark has done an excellent job making this book both accessible and incredibly informative. Unlike many other books, it is unique in addressing Byzantine, Turkish, and modern periods of the city. A must buy for anyone who has visited or is planning to visit Athens!
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

TZANETEA Froso
5.0 out of 5 stars Unputdownable book.
Reviewed in Germany on October 2, 2023
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Very well written, gives you a deep insight of the history of Athens through the ages.
It shed light to historic periods I didn't know much about even though I am from Athens.
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AMX
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Historical Content, BUT...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a book worthy of its size in terms of important milestone historical content although some historical events or individuals are inevitably missing. An all inclusive history of Athens in some detail would simply require several weighty tomes. One downside of this excellent book is the quality of the paper and its binding. A badly glorified paperback printed on very poor quality paper. A widespread practice for most UK printed books, if not all. I bought the same book in paperback format in Greece which is printed and bound excellently in very good quality paper.
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AMX
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Historical Content, BUT...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2024
This is a book worthy of its size in terms of important milestone historical content although some historical events or individuals are inevitably missing. An all inclusive history of Athens in some detail would simply require several weighty tomes. One downside of this excellent book is the quality of the paper and its binding. A badly glorified paperback printed on very poor quality paper. A widespread practice for most UK printed books, if not all. I bought the same book in paperback format in Greece which is printed and bound excellently in very good quality paper.
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One person found this helpful
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Costas Kleanthous
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2023
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Incredible research. Very easy to read. Highly recommended
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Thomai
5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive history of Athens
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2021
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A beautifully written book. Bruce Clark has an obvious love for his subject. I am from Athens and I found this book not only a joy to read, but hugely informative. This is indeed a comprehensive history of Athens. I extend my thanks and appreciation to the author for this heartfelt tribute to my city.
5 people found this helpful
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DixieAl
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2022
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From mythological prehistory through the Christian Era, Ottoman conquest, World Wars and beyond to the Covid ridden present, this book soars! Very readable. Anyone who loves Athens will benefit from this.
2 people found this helpful
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