Was ancient Athens the "cradle of democracy" or, as many have charged, a society based on slave labor and ruled by an irresponsible mob of idlers who would neither fight nor pay taxes? In this classic work, one of the twentieth century's most distinguished ancient historians provides a succinct and elegant appraisal of Athenian democracy's merits and short-coming.

Relying almost exclusively on close and careful analysis of primary sources, A. H. M. Jones examines the economic, social, and governmental structues that formed the basis of democracy in Athens. He also discusses the criticisms leveled against Athenian society by its own philosophers, histroians, and statemen. Athenian Democracy remains an indispensable resource for anyone with an interest in classical Athenian society.