The Landmark Thucydides


Book Description

However, this classic book has long presented obstacles to the uninitiated reader. Written centuries before the rise of modern historiography. Thucydides' narrative is not continuous or linear.




The Great War Between Athens And Sparta: A Companion To The Military History Of Thucydides


Book Description

As “a companion to the military history of Thucydides,” this learned and thoughtful treatise by a well-known Oxford tutor is assured of a hearty welcome. For Dr. Henderson, in retelling the story of the most famous of all wars, gives the essence of many commentaries on Thucydides, with numerous maps and plans, and also cites recent parallels to the old campaigns. Thucydides is so modern in his outlook that this method of treatment is not merely permissible but entirely appropriate. Dr. Henderson has a vivacious style and enters heartily into the spirit of the many dramatic episodes, such as Cleon’s victory at Sphacteria, or the desecrating of the “Herniae” on the very eve of the sailing of the expedition to Syracuse, or the condemnation of the Athenian generals after their last great sea-victory at Arginusae. Even those who think that they know their Thucydides well may learn a good deal from the book. And the implied lesson of the crimes and follies that an uncontrolled democracy can commit—comes out stronger than ever.—The Spectator Archive




The Peloponnesian War


Book Description

The first unabridged translation into American English, and the first to take into account the wealth of Thucydidean scholarship of the last half of the twentieth century, Steven Lattimore’s translation sets a new standard for accuracy and reliability. Notes provide information necessary for a fuller understanding of problematic passages, explore their implications as well as the problems they may pose, and shed light on Thucydides as a distinctive literary artist as well as a source for historians and political theorists.




Thucydides on the Outbreak of War


Book Description

The cause of great power war is a perennial issue for the student of politics. Some 2,400 years ago, in his monumental History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides wrote that it was the growth of Athenian power and the fear that this power inspired in Sparta which rendered the Peloponnesian War somehow necessary, inevitable, or compulsory. In this new political psychological study of Thucydides' first book, S.N. Jaffe shows how the History's account of the outbreak of the war ultimately points toward the opposing characters of the Athenian and Spartan regimes, disclosing a Thucydidean preoccupation with the interplay between nature and convention. Jaffe explores how the character of the contest between Athens and Sparta, or how the outbreak of a particular war, can reveal Thucydides' account of the recurring human causes of war and peace. The political thought of Thucydides proves bound up with his distinctive understanding of the interrelationship of particular events and more universal themes.




The History of the Peloponnesian War


Book Description

The History of the Peloponnesian War, which was fought between the Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta) and the Delian League (led by Athens). It was written by Thucydides, an Athenian historian who also happened to serve as an Athenian general during the war. His account of the conflict is widely considered to be a classic and regarded as one of the earliest scholarly works of history. The History is divided into eight books.




Thucydides and Sparta


Book Description

Thucydides is widely seen as the most dispassionate and reliable contemporary source for the history of classical Sparta. But, compared with partisan authors such as Xenophon and Plutarch, his information on the subject is more scattered and implicit. Scholars in recent decades have made progress in teasing out the sense of Thucydides' often lapidary remarks on Sparta. This book takes the process further. Its eight new studies by international specialists aim to reveal coherent structures both in Thucydidean thought and in Spartan reality.This volume is the second of a series in which the Classical Press of Wales applies to Spartan history the approach it is already using for the history of Rome's revolutionary era: focusing in turn on each of the main sources on which historians depend, and analysing with a combination of historical and literary methods.







A War Like No Other


Book Description

Presents a history of the Peloponnesian War and its repercussions on ancient Greece, discussing the events of the conflict, its impact on Athens and Sparta, and the personalities involved, including Pericles and Sophocles.




The History of the Peloponnesian War (Complete Edition)


Book Description

Thucydides' 'The History of the Peloponnesian War' stands as a seminal work in the realm of historical literature, detailing the conflict between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC. Utilizing a meticulous and analytical approach, Thucydides presents a detailed account of the military strategies, political maneuverings, and societal implications of this prolonged conflict. His narrative style is characterized by its objectivity and lack of embellishment, setting it apart from previous historical works. This complete edition offers readers a comprehensive look at the complexities of ancient warfare and diplomacy. Thucydides' nuanced portrayal of human nature and power dynamics within political systems continues to resonate with readers today. The inclusion of speeches and debates between key figures further enriches the text, providing insight into the motivations driving historical events. Thucydides, a former military leader and statesman, drew upon his firsthand experiences to craft a narrative that explores the inherent tensions in international relations. His keen observations and critical analysis make this work a timeless classic, essential for both scholars and history enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of ancient Greece and the nature of conflict.