The Ambition to Rule: Alcibiades and the Politics of Imperialism in Thucydides

by Steven Forde

A fine study of ambition and imperialism.

Genres: History, Politics

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[D. Gruntled · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tracks the desire for honor throughout Thucydides' History, focusing on the character of Alcibiades. Notes that Alcibiades' honor-lust is both encouraged by the character of Athens and, at its limit, is inimical to it. Useful comparisons of Alcibiades with other figures in the History, primarily Pericles, Nicias, and, at the end, Pausanias. Generally moves within the orbit established by Orwin's "Humanity of Thucydides" (though I think Forde's book came out first? There's a similarity in language used: eg, references to the "Athenian thesis.").