Body, Dress, and Identity in Ancient Greece

Applying modern dress theory to ancient evidence, this book reconstructs the social meanings attached to the dressed body in ancient Greece.

Mireille M. Lee (Author)

9781107055360, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 January 2015

382 pages, 110 b/w illus. 2 tables
25.4 x 17.5 x 3 cm, 1.02 kg

'Lee pulls together a variety of topics with sophistication. This book will hold special appeal for anyone working on dress, Greek art, gender, or the history of classical scholarship, but so much ground is covered that any reader will find something of interest. It achieves approachability without succumbing to superficiality and is a pleasure to read. It will become a resource for reimaging Greek dress (and perhaps even ancient dress more generally).' Laura Gawlinski, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

This is the first general monograph on ancient Greek dress in English to be published in more than a century. By applying modern dress theory to the ancient evidence, this book reconstructs the social meanings attached to the dressed body in ancient Greece. Whereas many scholars have focused on individual aspects of ancient Greek dress, from the perspectives of literary, visual, and archaeological sources, this volume synthesizes the diverse evidence and offers fresh insights into this essential aspect of ancient society. Intended to be accessible to nonspecialists as well as classicists, and students as well as academic professionals, this book will find a wide audience.

1. Greek dress and dress theory
2. Bodies in ancient Greece
3. Body modification
4. Garments
5. Accessories
6. The body as dress
7. Social contexts of dress.

Subject Areas: Gender studies, gender groups [JFSJ], Fashion & society [JFCK], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], History of fashion [AKTH], Textile artworks [AFW], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]