The book offers an introduction, translation and commentary of the earliest political speech delivered by Demosthenes, the Against Leptines . It studies the speech as a historical document for the reconstruction of Athenian fourth-century politics, law, judicial practices and public economy. It sheds light on the institution of nomothesia , on Athenian euergetism and the economy of honour, and on the workings of and debates on fiscal policy. Mirko Canevaro , The University of Edinburgh, UK.