For centuries, classical scholars have intensely debated the "position of women" in classical Athens. Did women have a vast but informal power, or were they little better than slaves? Using methods developed from feminist anthropology, Winkler steps back from this narrowly framed question and puts it in the larger context of how sex and gender in ancient Greece were culturally constructed. His innovative approach uncovers the very real possibilities for female autonomy that existed in Greek society.

John J. Winkler was formerly affiliated with Stanford University.

PART I: 1.Unnatural Acts: Erotic Protocols in Artemidoros' Dream Analysis 2. Laying down the Law: The Oversight of Men's Sexual Behaviour in Classical Athens 3. The Constraints of Desire: erotic Magical Spells 4. The Education of Chloe: Hidden Injuries of Sex PART II: 5. Penelope's Cunning and Homer's 6. Double Consciousness in Sappho's Lyrics 7. Demeter and the Gardens of Adonis