The Olynthiacs and the Phillippics of Demosthenes

Demosthenes, one of the greatest Greek orators and statesmen, left behind a collection of fifty-five prologues or preambles which offer insights into the politics and culture of ancient Greece—and some of these writings are presented in this book. These passages, collected by Callimachus for the Library of Alexandria, give us a glimpse of Athenians' attitudes towards their democracy and the expectations of an audience at an assembly. Though some modern scholars have rejected their authenticity, Callimachus, Julius Pollux, and Stobaeus believed they were composed by Demosthenes himself. For those interested in ancient Greece and the art of oratory, this collection offers a fascinating look into the mind of one of history's greatest speakers.