Deborah Tarn Steiner Books

Exploring the significance of statues in ancient Greece, the book reveals how they influenced various aspects of life, including religion and politics. It highlights the unique ways ancient Greeks engaged with sculptures, viewing them as active participants rather than mere aesthetic objects. Through contemporary literary sources, the text uncovers how poets and philosophers utilized sculpture as a means of thought, providing insights into the cultural and intellectual context of the time.

Focusing on the multifaceted role of writing in archaic and classical Greece, the book delves into various artifacts including curse tablets and coins, while examining the cultural significance of writing beyond mere transcription. The author analyzes its representation in myths and literature, exploring connections between writing and symbols like omens and tokens. Additionally, it highlights the use of inscriptions in religious practices and their varying functions in both autocratic and democratic societies, offering a comprehensive view of ancient Greek perceptions of writing.

Wide-ranging exploration of representations of chorality in the poetry, art and material remains of early Greece in order to demonstrate the centrality of the activity in the social, religious and technological practices of individuals and communities.