The Landmark Thucydides: A Comprehensive Guide to the Peloponnesian War, Part 2 of 2

by Thucydides, Robert B. Strassler (Editor), Richard Crawley (Translator)

In any list of the great books of Western civilization, Thucydides' "The Peloponnesian War" stands near the top. This elegant and authoritative edition will ensure that its greatness is appreciated by future generations.Thucydides' account of two decades of war between Athens and Sparta is the first and most famous work in the Western historical tradition. Considered essential reading for generals, statesmen, and liberally educated citizens for more than two thousand years, "The Peloponnesian War" is a mine of military, moral, political, and philosophical wisdom. However, this classic book has long presented obstacles to the uninitiated reader. This edition erases these obstacles, providing a new coherence to the narrative and effectively reconstructing the lost cultural context that Thucydides shared with his original audience. (Part 2 of 2 part cassette edition)

Genres: History

9 pages, Audio Cassette

Published July 1, 2011

About the author

Thucydides (c. 460 B.C. – c. 400 B.C.) (Greek Θουκυδίδης ) was an Athenian historian and general. His History of the Peloponnesian War recounts the fifth-century BC war between Sparta and Athens until the year 411 BC. Thucydides has been dubbed the father of "scientific history" by those who accept his claims to have applied strict standards of impartiality and evidence-gathering and analysis of cause and effect, without reference to intervention by the gods, as outlined in his introduction to his work.
He also has been called the father of the school of political realism, which views the political behavior of individuals and the subsequent outcomes of relations between states as ultimately mediated by, and constructed upon, fear and self-interest. His text is still studied at universities and military colleges worldwide. The Melian dialogue is regarded as a seminal text of international relations theory, while his version of Pericles' Funeral Oration is widely studied by political theorists, historians, and students of the classics.
More generally, Thucydides developed an understanding of human nature to explain behavior in such crises as plagues, massacres, and wars.

Reviews

[David Hollywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my experience this is the finest account and assembly of surrounding support essays (appendices) and descriptions I am aware of. The essential and superb and authentic history of The Peloponnesian Wars.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing read. Modern Geopolitics at warp speed.

[Emma Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could only read this book a couple of pages at a time. Despite this being an excellent translation, the language is still somewhat clunky. The numerous inset maps were indispensable.