"There can be no questioning the value and validity of Manville's patient unravelling of the strands that...make up the close weave of classical Athenian citizenship: corporate identity, territoriality, population density, personal freedom, and landownership above all. It is one of the many strengths of Manville's quietly persuasive approach that he can deploy comparative ethnographic evidence from so-called 'primitive' states with ... Read moretelling sensitivity."
Paul Cartledge, The Times Literary Supplement "This book well repays the attention of anyone, whether historian, literary critic, or archaeologist, who is interested in the wider context of pre-classical Athenian society."
Gregory Crane, Bryn Mawr Classical Review "A real contribution to the perennial debate on the Athenian way of life. I would recommend it strongly to all who are also interested in the origins of our own society and our own brand of citizenship."
Harold B. Mattingly, History Show Less