Thucydides

by W. Robert Connor

This full-scale sequential reading of Thucydides' history of the Peloponnesian War will be invaluable to the specialist and also to those in search of an introduction and companion to the Histories . Moving beyond other studies by its focus on the reader's role in giving meaning to the text, it reveals Thucydides' use of objectivity not so much as a standard for the proper presentation of his subject matter as a method for communicating with his readers and involving them in the complexity and suffering of the Peloponnesian War. W. Robert Connor shows that as Thucydides' themes and ideas are reintroduced and developed, the initial reactions of the reader are challenged, subverted, and eventually made to contribute to a deeper understanding of the war.

Genres: History, Classics, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Walter Robert Connor

Reviews

[Charles Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am not a specialist, I found this volume extremely useful in my concurrent reading of the history. The footnotes are heavy on Greek language translation and grammatical meanings, but otherwise the author's quite extraordinary knowledge and understanding of Thuycididies comes through in his very detailed analysis of each book and chapter. Most useful and interesting to me were his explanations and connections of Thuycidian language with the larger aspect of Greek classical history. I enjoyed it and recommend it to the serious and interested reader/student of Thuycididies.

[clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

chapitre 2 seulement – des explications claires et spécifiques au livre, mettant en relief le rôle proéminent de périclès lors de la guerre du péloponnèse.

[Midori · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent treatise that focuses on the literary qualities and the role of the intelligent/active reader than on the subject of Thucydides' monumental work. Through a maze of words,ideas and actions,Thucydides develops literary themes and subjects adding progressively new nuances and clarifications.Connor gives us the magnifying glass to find the way through this labyrinth and see Thucydides from a fresh viewpoint.

[I-kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading Thucydides from a literary viewpoint (textual analysis, reader's response); gives a comprehensive reading that delves into details without missing the wood for the trees. Very helpful and insightful.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the faint hearted this tough read is a commentary on Thucydides The Peloponnesian War. Follows T-man's book format and I cannot imagine some reading this without have prior knowledge of the war. Really it is a companion text to The Peloponnesian War. Recommended for my planner and strategist friends, especially those writing papers at Army War College.