With an in-depth exploration of rule by a single man and how this was seen as heroic activity; the title challenges orthodox views of ruling in the ancient world and breaks down traditional ideas about the relationship between so-called hereditary rule and tyranny. It looks at how a common heroic ideology among rulers was based upon excellence; or arete; and also surveys dynastic ruling; where rule was in some sense shared within the family or clan. Heroic Rulers examines reasons why both personal and clan-based rule was particularly unstable and its core tension with the competitive nature of Greek society; so that the question of who had the most arete was an issue of debate both from within the ruling family and from other heroic aspirants. Probing into ancient perspectives on the legitimacy and legality of rule; the title also explores the relationship between ruling and law. Law; personified as king (nomos basileus); came to be seen as the ultimate source of sovereignty especially as expressed through the constitutional machinery of the city; and became an important balance and constraint for personal rule. Finally; Heroic Rulers demonstrates that monarchy; which is generally thought to have disappeared before the end of the archaic period; remained a valid political option from the Early Iron Age through to the Hellenistic period.
#3286243 in eBooks 2013-03-28 2013-03-28File Name: B00CSS39P0
Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By LymarieI have just returned from my third annual Kristy Kutch class in Newport; Oregon. I pre-ordered this book after last years class and received it as soon as it was available. Kristy has an unparalleled knowledge of all things colored pencil! She keeps herself on the cutting edge of new products and then tests them and instructs her many students all over the country on how to use them. This book has a very comprehensive view of the pencils; surfaces and associated products available today. Her many great techniques have inspired me at each of her classes and are well-explained in this book. Thank you; Kristy; for yet another tool for my colored pencil arsenal!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. GREAT BOOK FOR THE ARTIST LOOKING FOR NEW AND MIXED MEDIA INSTRUCTIONSBy GenelleVery good instructions for using mixed media. Learned a lot from this book regarding new and different media for art work; Especially informative on the new water color pastels.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A great addition to my colored pencil book collectionBy aliensoupA great addition to my colored pencil book collection. It inspires me to practice more to attain the realistic look that the author makes look easy. Obviously shes very talented and one can learn a great deal from her.