Placeholder text

Go to cart

Poiesis

By Peter Acton

Poiesis

By Peter Acton

0 - Default Title
Description
Poiesis brings together archaeological finds, ancient texts and inscriptions, recent scholarly analysis, and the expertise of modern craftsmen to investigate every known facet of Athens' manufacturing activities. Despite the fact that Athenians consumed great quantities of manufactured goods, and around half of the residents of classical Athens can be shown to have been dependent for survival on manufacturing in some form, the subject has been almost completely neglected by historians. The book draws on the analytical techniques of contemporary business economics--supply and demand, competition theory, and risk-return analysis--to explain events and choices. Manufacturing operations are classified in an original framework that explains why certain segments were suited to the sole craftsman and others to teams of slaves, and deduces earnings potential based upon barriers to entry and competitive differentiation. The result is a new and refreshing angle on how Athenian society operated that complements political, military, and literary perspectives, with important and often surprising implications. Among other insights the analysis shows how fragmented industry structures were fundamental to the workings of Athenian democracy by enabling citizens to supplement their income through casual manufacturing activity.
Product details
Edition:
1
Number of Pages:
404
Release Date:
2014-11-12
Publication Date:
2014-11-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
0199335931
ISBN13:
9780199335930
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:
[email protected]
Weight:
843 g
Height:
161 cm
Width:
240 cm
Thickness:
28 cm
Buy on Amazon
Currently sold out