This book seeks to understand Xenophon as an elite Athenian writing largely for an elite Athenian audience in the first half of the fourth century BC. It argues that Xenophon calls on men of his own class to set aside their assumptions of superiority based on birth or wealth and to reinvent themselves as individuals who can provide effective leadership to the democratic city and serve it as good citizens. Xenophon challenges, criticizes, and sometimes satirizes the Athenian elite, and seeks to instruct them concerning the values, knowledge, and practical skills they will need to succeed as civic leaders. Xenophon is thus best understood not as an aristocratic dinosaur who is out of place in a democratic setting, as some have assumed, but as a thoughtful and pragmatic reformist who seeks to ensure that meritorious members of the elite step forward to lead within the democracy.

‘… Christ’s book contains interesting observations which begin to point in a different direction, especially his sensitivity to the differences in form between Socratic dialogues and treatises like Poroi and their implications for Xenophon’s ‘message’ … this just goes to show that careful reading of Christ’s book is handsomely repaid.’

Luuk Huitink Source: Bryn Mawr Classical Review

‘Christ’s careful reading of the chosen texts and their juxtaposition create a coherent and persuasive argument that enhances prior readings by tying interpretation to the political environment of Athens in the late fifth/early fourth century.’

Fiona Hobden Source: Polis, The Journal for Ancient Greek and Roman Political Thought