Greek Laughter: A Study of Cultural Psychology from Homer to Early Christianity by Stephen Halliwell - 2008-11-03

Cambridge University Press. Very Good. 2008. Softcover. 0521717744 . Spine and part of front wrap sunned and discolored. ; The first book to offer an integrated reading of ancient Greek attitudes to laughter. Taking material from various genres and contexts, the book analyses both the theory and the practice of laughter as a revealing expression of Greek values and mentalities. Greek society developed distinctive institutions for the celebration of laughter as a capacity which could bridge the gap between humans and gods; but it also feared laughter for its power to expose individuals and groups to shame and even violence. Caught between ideas of pleasure and pain, friendship and enmity, laughter became a theme of recurrent interest in various contexts. Employing a sophisticated model of cultural history, Stephen Halliwell traces elaborations of the theme in a series of important texts: ranging far beyond modern accounts of 'humour', he shows how perceptions of laughter helped to… Read More

Cambridge Univ Pr, 2008. Paperback. New. 1st edition. 616 pages. 8.75x6.00x1.50 inches.

Paperback / softback. New. The first attempt to provide an integrated account of the bodily and psychological workings of laughter in ancient Greece. Adopting a wide chronological perspective and dealing with numerous aspects of cultural history, Halliwell shows how the theme of laughter can shed light on Greek ethical values and attitudes to life.

Cambridge Univ Pr, 2008. Paperback. New. 1st edition. 616 pages. 8.75x6.00x1.50 inches.

paperback. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.

New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; The Greek Laughter.

Cambridge University Press, 2008-11-02. paperback. New. 6x1x9. Brand New Book in Publishers original Sealing