(Paperback)
Although most prevalent and obvious during the early decades of the Republic, the influence of classical antiquity on American politics persists even into the 21st century. This study tracks the movement of classicism throughout U.S. history and illustrates how the ancient Greeks and Romans continue to influence political theory and determine policy in the United States, from the education of the Founders to the War in Iraq.
Americans don't know much about history. They especially don't know much about classical antiquity. For those who recognize the void in their education, this collection of essays provides a sampling of what they have missed. In 179 pages, plus notes and index, Classical Antiquity and the Politics of America offers 10 essays ranging from classical education in Colonial America to thoughts on the nature of imperialism from Plato to George W. Bush. The volume is edited by Michael Meckler, a classical scholar at Ohio State University. Like most such collections, the contributions are of varied quality. Meckler's introduction provides a concise summary of the classical heritage of American government and the waning influence of the classics since the presidency of Andrew Jackson. No one can understand the constitutional principles that undergird American government without a passing knowledge of their Greek and Roman antecedents. For that reason alone, the book is a worthwhile and not overtaxing read.
More Reviews and RecommendationsMichael Meckler (Ph.D. Michigan) is Resident Fellow, Center for Epigraphical and Palaeographical Studies, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
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