The Power of Money (I suspect the title is the fault of the editor or publisher) deals with the Athenian Coinage Decree. When Athens controlled much of the greek world it promulgated a law restricting coinage in silver, requiring foreign coin to be converted to the Athenian standard. The decree survives in fragments of carvings and there is a reference to it in a play by Aristophanes. Figueira analyzes whether we can know when the law was in effect, how widely and if it was enforced. The evidence is scientific, that is, what inferences are drawn are based on logical study of evidence. There are the textual variants of the law, where they are found, when they may be dated. There are coin hoards which show whether there is a hiatus in non-Athenian silver coinage, etc. Figueira is able to touch on peripheral subjects such as the problem of correlating a silver/electrum exchange ratio.I recommend this book to students of history, numismatists, and anyone who wants to know how history is 'done.' The narratives of our commonly-accepted history are not the constructs of power or class.They are based on scraps of evidence that may seem dry and boring but which yield treasures when studied calmly and logically. This book is an antidote to the radical aporia and solipsism induced by postmoderism and its works.

After taking yet another one of Prof. Figueira's courses on the ancient world, I was pleased to read something that was less overpowering to my mind. I think that Profs. Figueira and Brennan were able to capyture the similarities between our modern world and that of the ancient. They were able to apply concepts that we readily know now, to a world that we won't understand immediately. In particular the emphasis on ancient coinage was employed well.

Caution: Some of the translations here are pretty raw in describing sexual matters. If such things offend you, this book may not be the ideal way for you to learn about better business practices.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were very concerned with political, military, and financial effectiveness. Since human nature changes slowly, if at all, we should not be surprised to learn that many ancient leaders and authors had quite a lot to say that is of relevance today. The book's subjects relate to many of the tricky areas of human interaction and psychology. There are sections on leadership, building and losing constituencies, consulting and decision making, strategy, competition, collegiality and teamwork, risk taking, recognizing opportunity, communications, management-employee relations, motivation, hiring and firing, delegation, and handling success and coping with mistakes.

I found the ancient materials very interesting, learning about classical figures I had not heard of before. I would have enjoyed the book even if it had not been presented as a business management book. Since the work is done by classicists, the ancient references are numerous, well chosen and spicy.

As a management guide, the book is not nearly as big a success. However, I did not find it any less good than any of the books I read which regurgitate what other writers have had to say before.

There were no big "ah-ha's" for me. Maybe I've been reading too many management books.

On the other hand, I didn't read anything here that was a bad idea for a business person to think about.

There's some very fine humor in several sections. For example, the "consultants" are usually seers, interpreters of oracles, and advisors. The explanations given for bad advice by the "consultants" are often pretty funny.

Many people report knowing better when they make a mistake in these areas . . . but taking the wrong path anyway. Now I wonder what the ancients would have had to say about that?

Think carefully, especially when you feel caught up in an emotional reaction!