Review of The Political Art of Greek Tragedy. Christian Meier. Andrew Webber, trans. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 1993. 219 pp.

We accept without question that plays written today reflect our cultural mores and political ideology. Witness recent feminist plays or the Vietnam era's Macbird. However no one until Christian Meier's The Political art of Greek Tragedy has shown how the Greek tragedies reflected their time of enormous political innovation. Focusing on the works of Aeschylus and Sophocles which were written during the gradual development of the first democracy, Meier shows how contemporary political changes must have been justified by dramatizing re-interpretations of the myths and how these productions corresponded to the growing political sense of the Athenian citizenry. For example, Meier is persuasive in suggesting that the conflict between the old and the new order of gods in the Eumenides is representative of the removal of authority from the aristocratic council of the Areopagus and the passing of power to the citizens'assembly, which event occurred in the years immediately preceding the performance of the Orestia. Meier's suggestions are thought-provoking and enlightening, however, with the dearth of evidence from 25 centuries past, some of his correspondences seem less plausible than others. This text is a welcome addition for readers and historians, and is an exceptionally valuable resource for those who teach dramatic literature. And, unlike some books translated from the German, Andrew Webber's translation is readable.

BARBARA MACKEY, Ph.D. University of Toledo

This is a religious book. It offers no useful suggestions on how to overcome anxiety. It is basically a "trust in the lord, and you will overcome this." Not helpful, if you're not particularly religious.

I was given this book by a wonderful friend when my son was diagnosed with cancer. Each night as I lay down to attempt to sleep, I would open this book and read until I found something that made me feel better.

I was never disappointed. Each night I was greeted with words of comfort.

What a wonderful gift for anyone who is facing difficulties in their life! What a wonderful gift for anyone who wishes to seek peace through God!

I read this book when it was first published a few years ago. I return to it often to find comfort and peace for my anxiety. I think that this book is a great one to carry around with you. It can be read at anytime and can help you distract yourself during a anxiety attack. I like how the verses and the comentaries on each verse is intergraded with biblical principles. I think that everyone should own this book.

This book, which covers one of the most remarkable eras in the history of mankind, attempts to be both scholarly and literary/popular. Unfortunately, while the content of it is utterly fascinating, the way it is written - or translated - leaves much to be desired: the style is flat and dull, frequently unclear, and simply a chore to plod through.

That being said, it covers the flowering of Athens as an imperialist democracy after the defeat of the Persian invasion that briefly united Greece. In the wake of the peace that followed, Athens used the Delian League to create an empire, drawing enormous wealth into the city state and dominating innumerable smaller states, eventually threatening the hegemony of the Spartans in the Pelopponesus. By developing a naval empire, the Athenians needed to enlist the loyalty of lower classes to man the boats and serve as hoplites, which encouraged the development of direct democracy.

Meier meticulously covers the details of these developments in a masterful synthesis of scholarship - it is a kind of updating of the Kulturgeschichte of Burckhart and is very valuable. THe reader is treated to the unique characteristics of Athens as well: it was in an era before there were "specialists" and so everyone was expected to participate in the city's governance, sometimes by elections and sometimes by lot; for historical reasons, Greece had lacked heredity kingships (and empires) to fall back on, preferring instead to guard the independence of smaller and more directly governable city states.

What was particularly interesting was Meier's portrayal of the excitment - the sense that all boundaries were crumbling - that permeated Athens of this period. In this he is certainly correct: we see the rise of Perikles, the great Greek trajedians, the beginning of modern philosophy, the flowering of artistic realism, and new forms of architecture. Meier views all of these developments as of a living organism, mixing political history with art criticism and long interpretations of the contemporary events that the dramas may have been referring to. In spite of these achievements, Meier also studies the fatal flaws and contradictions of this democratic experiment, in Athens' need to subjugate others in the name of democracy, the tendency of the citizens to indulge in excess and sudden blame, and the rise of demagogues. Thus, the portrait of the city is very well rounded. From that point, Meier moves to more military history, chronicalling the catastrophies of the Peloponessian War in painful detail. It is here, really, that the notion of the West and Europe were born.

However, it is amazing to me that the book is so poorly edited. The prose is leaden and utterly lacking in style, as in so much of the academic tradition. But the content is so interesting and compelling that it kept my interest through 600 pages. Indeed, I want to read more on the period.

Recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed Meier's narrative style, but was somewhat disappointed by his lack of references. Even outright quotations were not footnoted, and I often had no idea where the quote came from! Many of Meier's views are obviously well informed, but he certainly had time to address opposing views. The only reason that I can think of as to why he chose not to defend his views (but only describe them) is that he intended this work to me for popular instruction. If so, he succeeds. The book drags on during periods (such as early Athens) when he describes mostly sociological details, but becomes far more engaging when he actually has a personality to describe (such as Solon or Pericles). Since the book focuses on the fifth century, there is scant information on earlier figures, such as Cylon and Pissistratus. This is unfortunate, because the title (and thickness of the book) suggests a more exhaustive account of the polis in question. Finally, Meier deals well with the interactions between Athens and other poleis, though I still would like to see him address opposing theories and document his sources. If I were grading for a scholar, I would give this three stars, but if you are a beginner at this topic, the current rating of four is more appropriate.

At the end of the third chapter I agreed very much with the criticisms of the reviewer from Brooklyn above. Meier does make some very abstract sociological arguments in his chapter on "the Greek Way," and they also made me uneasy. But the many chapters that follow elaborate on them in quite concrete ways and the book becomes sufficiently grounded in details to satsify me thoroughly. I particularly enjoy Meier's comments on the great tragedies when he arrives at the year of their original performances in Athens' amazing century.

Your view of this book is likely to depend on your religious outlook on life. The book is full of Bible-Quotes. It uses biblical personalities and settings as examples for burnout and the things that bring burnout about. Of those examples that do not figure biblical personalities, at least half have some strong connection to the church.

Personally, I feel that a book that deals with a clinical psychological issue, such as burnout, should rely on academic research and reasoning. That is missing here. Time and again the bible is taken as the source of all truth and the author's interpretation as our guiding line for doing things in life. Especially the latter makes it very difficult reading for people with academic training who are used to take a critical view of unsubstantiated statements.

This book is practical, readable, and worthwhile. Even if you're so burned out you can hardly face another book, this one is worth the time! Lots of case histories and real life examples, so you know the authors have dealt with real people. Very solid biblical foundation. Non-technical explanations make it easy reading for anyone. Solid, practical suggestions for avoiding or escaping burnout. This is two books put together in one volume. Reading this book helped me identify the strengths and weaknesses, as well as the potential hazards of my own personality type. Best book on the subject I've seen.

Parents shouldn't buy into this bolonga. (I'm not being derogatory, am I ?;-) ) As a (alright, so I'm clinically depressed)...it didn't help me any. As an atheist, reading this worthless drivel about had no effect on me, and the rest of it probably made me more depressed. The only book about teenagers that I've ever read that was real and objective was Reviving Ophelia. Ok, enough out of me...parents: DON'T BUY THIS BOOK FOR YOUR DEPRESSESD TEEN(S)! take it from a smart kid.-i'm out-

First, let me say what this book is and isn't. It is a book on depression in teenagers with a Christian perspective. If you aren't Christian, I'd say you're better off with When Nothing Matters Anymore by Bev Cobain. It is also a book on teen depression from a psychological perspective, written by a psychiatrist. If you're looking for a "spiritual warfare" approach, Neil Anderson's written a lot of good stuff for teens. If you think psychology is too secular for a Christian to partake of and a real Christian would never get depressed, I pray that you never have to go through the experience of mental illness.

That said, this book is a great resource on teen depression, with symptoms, information on treatments, and guidelines for living a happier life from a Christian perspective (including prayer and Bible reading). Easily understandable explanations of the components of depression (biological, environmental, and spiritual) are included.

Small gripes: the chapters on personality types seem outdated and out of place here. Also, although this book gives a well-balanced perspective on depression in the Christian teen, it does stress medication and hospitalization a little too much and therapy and counseling too little.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to Christian teens with depression and their parents. It is one of the few to address this pressing issue that affects so many teens in a Christian manner with understanding and without extremes or judgments.

I disagree with the depressed teenager reviewer. There is no happiness until we stop relying on external forces and concentrate on the relationship with God. Another excellent book is "Love is a choice" and for teenagers sean covey's"seven habits for teenagers" is an excellent readable for teenagers life management book and resource book, including depression. Another good book for teenagers is "taming the tiger"-stress management for teenagers and it is secular in nature. A Youth Ministry Worker

This book was recommended to me by my physician. He wanted me to learn about different types of depression, their causes, and possible treatments. I read the review here and thought, "Well, I can take a little Christianity along with the psychologically helpful information the book will provide."

Boy, was I wrong! This book is a little bit of the basic psychology of depression and a bunch of Christian propaganda along with it...

This book ended up making me more depressed than before I read it. It's depressing to think that the majority of our country is populated with people who share his biased opinions about humanity.

If you're asking God "Why (me, my child, spouse, parent)?", read this book!

The notion that depression is not real and rather a state of mind is frustratingly misguiding and the reason that scores of people commit suicide around the world every day. Depression is a crippling disease that requires treatment and therapy just like any other and anybody who has ever fought it knows this. What this book screamed to me as someone who is vulnerable to mild depression, is that people allow themselves to be depressed; That depression is an attitude, perhaps one I can wake up tomorrow and throw out the window. But the truth is, it is not. It is not something we imagine nor is it something we can forget. In fact, sometimes, we don't even have a clue what is causing it in our lives so how can we simply "pray for it to end." I'm somebody who talks to God and prays for help with a lot of the challenges that come across my life, but even I know that depression is not something, which will simply go away with prayer. A person needs friends, support, therapy and sometimes a prescription to fight depression.

I feel like depression is both physical and spritual problems. It is a sin to let depression control our lives. I have been diagnosed through the Minirth Clinic as a bipolar individual. I am on medication to help me. The idea behind Dr. Minirth's books are to make you realize that God will help us through our depression. Only through prayer will we have the strength to overcome depression. It will not make it go away but it will help us not to give into Satan's control over us through the depression. If you don't believe that Satan battles for our lives then maybe you shouldn't read this book. May God lead you.

I REALIZE THAT NO BOOK IS A MIRACLE WORKER FOR THE CURE OF DEPRESSION. I WAS GOING THROUGH A HORRIBLE TIME WITH DEPRESSION. I FELT LIKE I WAS IN A PIT. THIS LITTLE BOOKED HELPED ME SO MUCH. THE REASON IT DID WAS BECAUSE IT WAS FULL OF GOD'S WORD, ALONG WITH GOOD SOUND ADVICE. I WOULD READ THE LITTLE BOOK OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I ALSO READ MY BIBLE. I EVEN SLEPT WITH MY BIBLE. LOTS OF THE ADVICE IN THE LITTLE BOOK HELPED ME TO HAVE HOPE DURING MY DEPRESSION. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH. NOTHING IS A QUICK FIX. BUT THIS LITTLE BOOK WAS A BIG PART OF MY RECOVERY. THE REASON I CAME ON THIS SITE WAS TO SEE IF I COULD ORDER ONE FOR A FRIEND. THANK SO MUCH AND GOD BLESS YOUR MINISTRY, ELAINE

For those who have read both the "Third Millinnium" and "Fourth Millinnium", you should find this to only be a re-visit of the first novel. We watch the same characters work through the exact same struggles as before, however, this time the perspective is more from the viewpoint of the angels; the Arch-Angel Michaelin particular. It would be unfair to compare the author's use of 'angels as characters' with Peretti's "Piercing the Darkness". Those who are looking to nd a similar novel will be disappointed. This is not to say the novel is poorly written, for it is not. There is a marked difference in the writer's use of angels. While Peretti's are more actively involved in his plot lines, Meier's have a stronger sense of character development; such as exploring an angel's first exposure to hatred, anger and war. Overall, an easy book to read, with occassional events that may cause the reader to stop & wonder.

This book tries, and for that alone, I'll give it an extra star. The author obviously has the best of intentions, but unfortunately, the effort doesn't translate into a novel that's readable. The characters are not recognizable human beings- they make June Cleaver seem like a complex, multi-faceted character. What's worse, there's no real theology that goes any deeper than, "God is good, you should worship Him." That's great, but when I read a book like this, I'm hoping to gain some new insight about both myself and my relationship to God. At the very least, I'm looking for a good story. There's none of that to be found here. Anyone looking for a novel about the Endtimes that succeeds where Meier's novel fails should check out We All Fall Down, by Brian Caldwell. It's insightful, enthraling, and will stick with you for months. Meier tries hard in this series, and doubtlessly has the best of intentions, but in all four of these books, his good intentions simply pave the way to a literary hell.

Dr. Paul Meier is the co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show "New Life Clinic" and has written many books. His personality on the radio is condescending and now I have discovered why--he's a jerk. And he has written the book to prove it, entitled "Don't Let the Jerks Get the Best of You."

The idea for this book is great--dealing with the jerks you come in contact with. But during the reading of the book I discovered two things: first, he is really trying to get at the jerk within YOU, not in others. That's fine and he certainly convinced me that I'm a jerk at the highest level, but it didn't do much other than make me feel bad that I'm a jerk. It didn't help me much in dealing with others.

Second, he proves himself to be the utmost jerk through his constant claiming that he's NOT a jerk anymore! He gives three "levels" of being a jerk (everyone falls into one of the three categories), and of course he claims that he may have been level two at one point but now he is the lowest-level jerk. He even calls himself a "good guy" who "doesn't mean to do wrong." So when he mistreats his wife or kids or patients, he excuses it away as being meaningless since he doesn't intend on hurting them. Can't he see that INTENT may have nothing to do with it? A person who backs their car into your car may not "mean" to do it, but that is not an excuse! They need to deal with the consequences of their actions (admit wrong, pay for damage, etc.) and he fails to see the need to do that!

He then goes on to claim he has some "weaknesses"-- such as the fact that he like to pay for others meals or that he likes to spend all the money he makes on others! Wow--what weaknesses! He tells of how he invested lots of money in bad deals and the IRS charged him penalities--he again claims he was a well-meaning dope! Even in his proclaiming his weaknesses he comes across as a #1 jerk, not taking responsibility for his actions but claiming ignorance. He also humbly brags throughout the book (as he does often on his radio show) that he's a great husband and father and doctor--yet he tells stories of how he ignores his kids (one of his kids ran away from home as a teen), doesn't follow through on what he tells his wife, and he constantly pushes drugs. You would think the guy is a drug company rep if you listen to him on the radio--his solution to just about every psychological problem in life is drugs!

This is a frustrating book. The IDEA of it is great. But it's mostly about Dr. Meier being a jerk and him lording it over the rest of us. The solutions are few. This book needs some good objective editing and rewriting before it will be of value to those of us who are dealing with jerks every day,

Time and time again authors attempt to lead readers to health and hapiness through proselytization. Though thoughtfully worded at times one must realize that hapiness depends upon one's self and one's self image rather than from external sources.

This is a review of the audio tape edition, not the book. The audio tape is not an abridgement of the book. The audio tape is a collection of radio appearances by the authors. If you read the box, you'd see that. But the description on-line does not make that clear. I think giving the radio show transcripts the same title as the book is deceptive. The presentation is rambling because they just respond to caller questions. They emphasize the relation between depression and a chemical called ceratonen (seratonen?). This tape is not worth getting.