Poiesis

Peter Acton has a degree in Classics from Oxford University, an MBA from Stanford Business School, and a Ph.D. in Ancient History from the University of Melbourne. He was a Vice President of The Boston Consulting Group from 1986 to 1999.

• Foreword ; Table of Contents ; Acknowledgements ; Chapter 1: Introduction ; A. Athens, the Manufacturing City ; B. Original Sources ; i. Ancient Literature ; ii. Archaeology and Epigraphy ; C. Methodology ; i. Embeddedness and Empirical Analysis ; ii. Theories of Firm Size ; iii. The Theory of Competitive Advantage ; iv. Competitive Advantage and Industry Structure ; v. Applying the Competitive Advantage Framework ; Chapter 2: Industry Formation ; A. Early Manufacturing ; B. Homer and the Households of the Rich ; C. Hesiod and the Peasant Economy ; D. Empirical Evidence ; i. Metalworking ; ii. Leatherwork ; iii. Cosmetics and Perfumes ; iv. Textiles ; E. Supply and Demand in a Competitive Market ; Chapter 3: The Pottery Industry ; A. The Evidence ; i. Original Texts ; ii. Pots ; iii. Potteries and Kilns ; iv. Stamps and Graffiti ; v. Vase Paintings ; B. Industry and Workshop Size ; C. Labour Force ; i. The Process of Making Pots ; ii. Staffing Needs ; iii. Justifying a Full-Time Team ; D. Bases for Differentiation ; E. Subsequent Changes in Competitive Dynamics and Industry Structure ; F. Summary ; Chapter 4: Mining, Metals and Armour ; A. Mining ; B. Ore Processing ; C. General Metalworking ; D. Jewellery and Ornaments ; E. Coinage ; F. Bronze Armour ; G. Shield Manufacture ; H. Knives ; I. Summary ; Chapter 5: Textiles, Clothing and Footwear ; A. Textiles and Clothing ; i. Spinning and Weaving ; ii. Scouring and Finishing ; B. Footwear ; i. Tanning ; ii. Shoemaking ; C. Summary ; Chapter 6: Woodworking ; A. Furniture ; B. General and Specialised Woodworking Segments ; C. Boat Building ; i. The Trireme: Development and Configuration ; ii. Responsibility for Building Triremes ; iii. Manufacturing: the Hull ; iv. Manufacturing: Components ; v. Shipbuilding and Supplying Industries ; D. Summary ; Chapter 7: Construction Industries ; A. Public Buildings ; B. Monumental Statues ; C. Private Housing and Infrastructure ; D. Summary ; Chapter 8: Food, Drink and Personal Care ; A. Agricultural Products ; i. The Athenian Diet ; ii. Processing ; iii. Food Service ; B. Cosmetics, Perfumes and Medicines ; C. Summary ; Chapter 9: Athens' Manufacturers ; A. Citizen Investors ; B. Citizen Craftsmen ; C. Women ; D. Foreign Residents ; E. Slaves ; Coda ; Athenian Currency ; Appendix: Quantifying Manufacturing Preparation ; A. Supply Analysis ; B. Demand Analysis ; Secondary Sources ; Photo Credits ; Index

Acton takes on the whole of the manufacturing landscape of the classical Athenian polis with remarkable success .. it is difficult to find fault with his book, and some hard-won insights result from his comprehensive approach.