Skinner - Sexuality in Greek and Roman Culture

My upper-level students enjoyed Skinners frank and engaging style, and appreciated her ability to navigate through contentious theoretical issues with discretion and clarity. The new features of the second edition further increase the value of what is by far the best survey of the subject available.

Anthony Corbeill, University of Kansas

This book delivers but also exceeds what Id hoped for in the second edition. In addition to an updated text and bibliography positioning the book in relation to scholarly developments, Skinner has added textboxes to stimulate class debate, and end-of-chapter discussion prompts to encourage students reflection upon our relationship with/estrangement from ancient sexuality.

Susan Deacy, University of Roehampton

Skinners revised and expanded second edition increases the chief pleasure of her firstto see a true scholar at work, formidably informed. Her scope of erudition embraces all manner of ancient testimony, from Greek romances to gravestones.

Micaela Janan, Duke University

Thoroughly revised and with new sections and illustrations in each chapter, this book remains a landmark study of a complex yet fascinating subject. Written by a global authority in the field, it delivers rigorous, up-to-date scholarship in a style appealing to the non-specialist reader.

Konstantinos P. Nikoloutsos, Saint Josephs University

A breathtaking synthesis of cutting edge research, this superb second edition of Skinners magisterial overview of ancient sexuality combines sophistication with accessibility and remains an indispensable resource for students, teachers, and scholars.

Yurie Hong, Gustavus Adolphus College

These enjoyable, straightforward surverys of key themes in ancient culture are ideal for anyone new to the study of the ancient world. Each book reveals the excitement of discovering the diverse lifestyles, ideals, and beliefs of ancient peoples.

Ancient Babylonian Medicine
Markham J. Geller
The Spartans
Nigel Kennell
Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World
Donald G. Kyle
Food in the Ancient World
John M. Wilkins and Shaun Hill
Greek Political Thought
Ryan K. Balot
Theories of Mythology
Eric Csapo
Sexuality in Greek and Roman Culture, second edition
Marilyn B. Skinner

Science in the Ancient World
Daryn Lehoux
Ethnicity and Identity in the Ancient World
Kathryn Lomas
Roman Law and Society
Thomas McGinn
Economies of the Greek and Roman World
Jeremy Paterson
Economies of the Greco-Roman World
Gary Reger
The City of Rome
John Patterson
Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World, second edition
Donald G. Kyle

This second edition first published 2014
2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Edition history: Blackwell Publishing Ltd (1e, 2005)

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Skinner, Marilyn B.
Sexuality in greek and roman culture / Marilyn B. Skinner. 2nd Edition.
pages cm. (Ancient cultures; 2621)
Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-4443-4986-3 (pbk. : alk. paper)
ISBN 978-1-118-61108-1 (epub) ISBN 978-1-118-61092-3 (mobi) ISBN 978-1-118-61081-7 (epdf) 1. Sex customsGreece
HistoryTo 1500Textbooks. 2. Sex customsRomeHistoryTextbooks. I. Title.
HQ13.S535 2013
306.709376dc23

2013018151

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Cover image: Detail of Sleeping Hermaphrodite, Roman marble copy of original Hellenistic sculpture.
Araldo de Luca/Corbis
Cover design by Simon Levy

Housman: Actually, trochosis Greek, its the Greek word for hoop, so when Horace uses Graecus trochus its rather like saying French chapeau. I mean hes laying it on thick, isnt he?
Jackson: Is he? What?
Housman: Well, to a Roman, to call something Greek meant very often sissylike, or effeminate. In fact, a hoop, a trochos, was a favourite gift given by a Greek man to the boy he, you know, to his favourite boy.
Jackson: Oh, beastliness, you mean?
Tom Stoppard, The Invention of Love

Tondo of a red-figure cup by the Pedieus Painter, c.510 BCE