The World of Herodotus

by Aubrey de Sélincourt

Herodotus's Histories provides the basis for this strong account of the Greek world from the 8th to the 5th centuries B.C.--both the geography that he saw during his travels and the thoughts, feelings, and tradition crystallized in his writings. "...stimulating..."--San Francisco Chronicle.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Greece, Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classics, Philosophy

392 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Aubrey de Sélincourt was an English writer, classical scholar and translator. He was also a keen sailor. He had over 24 books credited to his authorship, but is chiefly remembered for his translations (all for Penguin Classics) of Livy's The Early History of Rome (Books I to V) and The War with Hannibal (Books XXI to XXX), Herodotus's Histories, and Arrian's The Campaigns of Alexander.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a review of the text - the Folio Society edition is up to their very high standards.

This is an older book. As Paul Cartledge mentions in his introduction there are a few ideas and views in it that are a bit outdated, and having a fairly high degree of familiarity with the histories I, informed by my own readings of it and secondary works, had a number of points I would dispute. That set aside this is a very erudite and enjoyable survey of 6th-4th century Greece, bracketing the life of Herodotus by about 80 years on either side. You could do a lot worse in a one volume history / commentary.

[Henry Sturcke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended as in introduction to Herodotus’s Histories. I don’t think it fulfills that task as well as the more recent volume by James Romm (Yale University Press, 1998).
What Sélincourt’s treatment offers instead is a tour d’horizon of Greek culture in antiquity. The main interest here is the author’s dissent from consensus opinions about the ancient Greeks, based on his thorough knowledge and love of the literature. The achievement of his Greeks was, in many ways, admirable, but they were not, as some maintain, our betters in all aspects of civilization. Their matter-of-fact cruelty and mendacity, indeed, their overall “self-regarding ethics,” to use Sélincourt’s phrase, mean there is no need to idealize them. Unfortunately, Sélincourt doesn’t trust the reader to remember this insight the first, second, or third time he shares it.
This book was also useful in helping me to realize that we oversimplify when we refer in a general way to “the ancient Greeks.” Are we talking about the dim antiquity of the Trojan War? Of Homer’s gathering and shaping of legends of it centuries later? Of the flowering of science and philosophy on the Ionian coast? Of Periclean Athens? There was continuity, but also change. One example of change (not for the better) is in the position of women in society, which seems to have been better in earlier days.
In addition to overselling the author’s central insight, the book suffers in general from being wordy and repetitive. Phrases such as “as I have said” and “as we shall see” abound. I savored in particular, “it bears repeating.” My interest sagged in the middle of the book when the author retells material Herodotus reports; for that, I’d rather get it from the original. Sélincourt’s love of Greek lyric poetry, however, is infectious, and he is especially good on Plato. So on balance, I’m glad I stuck it out. He convinces me of the greatness of Sappho, makes me want to reread Homer and Sophocles, and try some more Plato, For this, I’m grateful.

[Old-Barbarossa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fair overview of the period Herodotus covers in his Hx, also looks at the importance of the text.
The style is fairly conversational...but old fusty Oxbridge stylee conversational, with some of the prejudices that brings with it...so not to everyones taste.
Also covers other Greek texts in the last few chapters: epics, plays, philosophy.
While he is a huge Herodotus fan-boy he pulls no punches when giving his opinions on some of the other old dead Greek chaps.
When looking at the evolution of drama from religious act he briefly cover the "big 3" and notes wryly: "Religious ceremonial nowadays provides less opportunity for bad language and sexual symbolism." Now, we certainly could do with more of that...more "earthy" god bothering.

[Lauren Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a freshman, I had to pick a “freshman seminar” as they were called. Having decided I would be a classics major, despite not having the slightest interest in learning Greek or Latin, I picked the class on Herodotus. There were 5 of us I think. The professor was elderly and used to fall asleep when we sat in a circle which was pretty remarkable for such a small class. I didn’t have a clue and probably still don’t.

The book is partly about the world in which Herodotus lived and partly a recounting of the history he tells. Starting Herodotus at the same time, I was struck by how alike the stories were. I haven’t read the book in almost 35 years. I feel mixed about the Sélincourt but perhaps it will bring me back to Herodotus.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the towering reading experiences for me in recent memory. Aubrey de Sélincourt takes a monumentally enormous & complex subject & breaks it down methodically, makes his points clearly & succinctly, & writes with an easy & entertaining style that is pure pleasure to read. From the larger historical tapestry to individual stories that bring to life the spirit of the times, the author utilizes all his vast scholarship in creating this simultaneously breezy & detailed labor of love. I began this book knowing next to nothing about ancient Greece & came away with my head bursting not only with knowledge but a genuine enthusiasm for a topic I have always been somewhat afraid to explore. For those in the same boat, as well as those looking for a comprehensive overview of the period, this is the perfect prescription.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very difficult task it is to rate a work such as this. I know it is well organized and written because it was able to keep my attention even though I am not interested in what went on 2,500 years ago. One reason for my lack of interest is the fact that I question its accuracy . Come on, I read books about events of 50 years ago where i saw first hand what went on and the things written are so inaccurate it is loco. So now I read about things from 2,500 years ago and am expected to take them seriously. BUT, It was so well written, I had to give it 4 stars. Took me several days to read and I am glad I read it. Or perhaps just happy to be finished.

[James S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is erudite and has an elegant prose style, but the book suffers from some dated viewpoints. The author constantly refers to the Greek "race" or the Persian "race," which perhaps is a forgivable term for this book's publishing date (early 1960s), but still reflects a lack of good judgment, especially since the author appears to ascribe certain immutable qualities to these "races." More grave is the author's clear Eurocentrism along with his judgmental approach to history: praising the ancient thinkers whose views happened to align with the author's views, and condemning those whose views don't. The book ends up being more about the author than about the ancient world.

Well-written but badly dated.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This odd project from 1962 is a discussion and analysis of Herodotus. Herodotus is fairly straightforward to read and the author mentions most of his stories just as an outline while adding his opinionated (and now dated) commentary on ancient Greek history and culture. A final segment of the book adds discussion of Greek literature in general with large quoted extracts. About 30% of the way into the book, one wonders whether it would be better to read one of the annotated translations of Herodotus directly (e.g. The Landmark edition).

[Karen Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will review this book when I have finished reading it.

[Nullaesomines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introductory study of the time period and background

[Daren Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of not only the period but the writings of Herodotus.