Cambridge University Press, 1991. Hardcover. Burnt umber cloth covered hardcover with gold lettering to spine. Like new dust jacket. 8vo. (6.25 x 1 x 9.5 inches) Clean text free of marks or underlining. Includes appendices [6], notes, bibliography, index of passages cited, index of papyri, index of inscriptions and a general index. 368 pp.

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ISBN: 9780521373333

Lending and borrowing were commonplace in Athens during the fourth century B.C. and could involve interest rates, security and banks, but the part played by credit was very different from its familiar rôle in capitalist society today. Using a combination of sources, but concentrating on the law-court speeches of the Attic Orators, Dr Millett shows how lending and borrowing were a way of ordering social relations between Athenian citizens.

Although debt could be disruptive, it had as its more positive side the strengthening of ties between individuals. That was, in turn, an aspect of the solidarity between citizens which was a part of the Athenian democracy.

This book is intended primarily for ancient historians, but the author has worked hard to make his discussion accessible beyond the narrow range of specialists. All Greek is translated and unfamiliar terminology explained. Economic historians, anthropologists and sociologists will find much of interest to them.

Price: $68.95