Democracy
a remarkable graphic novel about the world's first democracy
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- $20.99
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- $20.99
Publisher Description
An epic, moving graphic novel set in ancient Athens about the birth and the rise of democracy – from the illustrator behind the bestselling Logicomix
'Impressive ... Simultaneously a standout historical examination and a compelling story' Booklist
'It's fun, it's heartbreaking, it's thought-provoking, and it's tragic – and it's absolutely one of the greatest graphic novels I expect to read all year' i09
It is 490BC and Athens is at war. Leander, trying to rouse his comrades for the morrow's battle against a far mightier enemy, begins to recount the story of his own life. Having witnessed the evils of the old tyrannical regimes and the rise of a new political system, Leander tells a tale of danger, bravery and big ideas, of the death of gods and the tortuous birth of democracy.
Through a series of breathtaking scenes, we see that democracy was forged from chance and historical contingency – but also through the cunning and courage of a group of highly talented, driven individuals.
Alecos Papadatos and Annie Di Donna, artists behind the international phenomenon Logicomix, together with writer Abraham Kawa deliver a graphic novel bursting with extraordinary characters and vibrant colour, one that offers fresh insight into how this greatest of civic inventions came to be.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Papadatos and Di Donna, artists of the acclaimed and bestselling Logicomix, team with writer and academic Kawa for an incisive and entertaining visual history of the roots of democracy. This journey is a saga comparable to epics such as Frank Miller's 300 and Eric Shanower's Age of Bronze, with a touch of Jack Kirby's wondrous mythological civilizations. Greek hero Leander functions as the entry point, giving the book striking immediacy and personality as it traces the historical transition from his society's utter faith in the Greek gods to the beginnings of modern politics. Papadatos's lively and energetic art illuminates battles, alliances, political machinations, and vivid personalities, and Di Donna's intense coloring is gloriously rich without a touch of gaudiness. For those interested in further background, the extensive back matter features useful commentary on both legendary and historical figures and concepts. Like Logicomix, this is a brilliantly realized stealth education.
